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| Press Releases |
| Confidence Up, Crime Down |
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Thursday, 21 January, 2010
Public confidence in local policing is on the rise and levels of crime are continuing to fall in West Yorkshire according to statistics released by the Home Office today.
The Government quarterly crime figures, covering the 3-month period June-September 2009 reveal that total crime, violent crime, burglary, robbery, vehicle crime and criminal damage are all down compared to the same period in 2008.
For the quarter July-Sept 2009, compared to the same period last year, total crime fell 11.3% from 55,790 reports to 49,500, this means that there were 6,290 fewer victims in the county. Further falls were also seen for Violent Crime (11.6%), Robbery (10.2%) and Criminal Damage (14.3%).
West Yorkshire Police's Deputy Chief Constable, David Crompton said: "I am delighted with these results which show very significant reductions in crime. Nevertheless we are not complacent and we will continue to target criminals with all our resources to drive down the figures even more."
"The reductions we see are borne out of the hard work and dedication of all our staff and the partners and communities we work with on a daily basis."
"The improvements we have seen in satisfaction levels are particularly pleasing and I believe are a vote of confidence by the public in the quality of Neighbourhood Policing we are delivering."
In addition to the Home Office release, a recent survey conducted by West Yorkshire Police Authority has revealed a continuing increase in the number of residents who agree that police and their partners are dealing with the anti social behaviour and crime issues that matter in their community.
Over 83% of people are satisfied with the overall service they receive from West Yorkshire Police.
Cllr Mark Burns-Williamson, Chair of West Yorkshire Police Authority added: "It is pleasing to see that the public's confidence in the police is increasing and that alongside this, crime is falling in many key areas such as burglary, robbery and theft."
"By working closely with the police, local communities and other partners, a real reduction has been achieved and it sends out a message to those people who think they are above the law – they are not. Together, we are making our district safer and we will continue to work to keep crime down and bring people to justice for the safety of our communities."
"The Police Authority is currently in the process of considering budgets and it is important we target our resources in continuing the downward trend in overall crime. We will be working closely with the Force to achieve this."
Recent police initiatives to tackle violent crime have included the 'One Punch' campaign which highlights how a night out can lead to a fight and ultimately the loss of a life.
Over the Christmas period Operation Northdale saw officers across the region working closely with partners to reduce sexual offences. This led to a 50% reduction in the number of sexual offences being recorded throughout the month of December.
Through Operation Overton, which took place in November 2009, West Yorkshire Police joined forces with colleagues from the Yorkshire and Humber region to tackle cross-border crime, but focusing specifically on burglary. Three days of action here saw 39 arrests for a variety of offences including Burglary, Drugs offences and Vehicle Crime.
Operation Titan, which is currently running across the whole of Leeds, has officers working closely with partner agencies to tackle burglars and to raise public awareness amongst the public - through the target hardening of homes - in order to prevent people falling victim. |
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