Annual crime statistics for England and Wales released today show falls in overall crime.
The British Crime Survey (BCS) shows that crime has dropped nine per cent between 2008/09 and 2009/10. Police recorded crime figures have reduced eight per cent year-on-year.
Commenting on the release of the statistics, Chief Constable Keith Bristow, ACPO head of crime, said:
“Police are committed to the task of driving down crime in the local communities in which they serve. The statistics released today reflect the efforts of our workforce in doing all they can to protect communities from harm.
“One area we have been particularly focussed on is our response to sex offences and we are encouraged by the increased reporting of these serious offences. We have redoubled our efforts to ensure improvements in our recording and investigation of sexual offences and to improve victim confidence in reporting such crimes.
“Our work in this area will continue, with the Association of Chief Police Officers taking the lead in ensuring good practise guidance in this critical area of policing is rolled out nationally.
“It should be noted that in police recorded statistics all other crime categories show reductions with BCS data showing the risk of being a victim of crime has also dropped, and the risk of being a repeat victim remains at around the lowest level since 1981.
“These overall results are positive and a strong indication of our commitment to cutting crime. Like many sectors, policing will be expected to deliver more for less. We recognise the challenge and remain resolutely committed to protecting the public which we serve.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors
• The ACPO Press Office can be contacted via 020 7084 8946/47/48 (office hours) or via 07803 903686 (out of office hours).
• The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) is an independent, professionally led strategic body. In the public interest and, in equal and active partnership with Government and the Association of Police Authorities, ACPO leads and co-ordinates the direction and development of the police service in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In times of national need ACPO, on behalf of all chief officers, coordinates the strategic policing response.
• ACPO’s 341 members are police officers of Assistant Chief Constable rank (Commanders in the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police) and above, and senior police staff managers, in the 44 forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and other forces such as British Transport Police and States of Jersey Police.
