Crime continues to Fall in Derbyshire

Latest Home Office crime statistics for England and Wales, published this week, show Derbyshire’s overall crime rate has fallen in the year ending June 2013 compared to 2011/12.

Welcoming the news, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa said: “Less crime equates to fewer victims, which is good news for Derbyshire’s residents and visitors. These figures show that, once again, Derbyshire Constabulary has achieved a reduction in overall crime, this time by 10 per cent excluding fraud, which is the ninth highest reduction in England and Wales.”

Other key highlights include a 13 per cent reduction in violence against the person offences, which is the fourth highest reduction in England and Wales, a drop of nine per cent in Domestic Burglary, and these latest figures see Derbyshire ranking top of the East Midlands region in terms of tackling theft.

Commenting on the challenges ahead, Deputy Dhindsa said: “It’s reassuring to see that despite the on-going austerity measures as a result of Government funding cuts, Derbyshire Constabulary is continuing to tackle crime effectively. 

“However, we have to be realistic.  It will become progressively more difficult to maintain reductions as the budget cuts dig deeper.  This situation will be aggravated by individuals and families who are sadly turning to crime in an attempt to overcome their own financial hardship.

“This is why it is essential that we work with local communities to encourage the reporting of crime, so that appropriate plans can be put in place to tackle specific issues in different locations. 

“Crime in Derbyshire has fallen dramatically over the last ten years, and now we need to cut our costs while protecting that performance.”

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