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Crime levels down in Beds
Overall policing levels in Bedfordshire have been reduced by more than the national average, it was revealed in new figures published by the Home Office.
In the 12-month period to June 2012 Bedfordshire has seen some of the largest reductions in crime rates in England and Wales with 63 crimes per 1000 population, down by 10 per cent, compared to 70 crimes per 1000 populates in England and Wales by six percent per cent.
But it is still fourth highest in England and Wales for robbery.
Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Richer said: “Today’s report shows the force remains determined to drive down those crimes that most harm communities including burglary, robbery and violence as well as bringing to justice those responsible.
“While these figures are historic, what they do show is the success Bedfordshire Police is having in reversing previous trends and we remain committed to fighting crime and protecting the public.”
A summary of Bedfordshire Police’s performance in the first quarter of 2012 compared with forces in England and Wales shows the force had:
- A 19 per cent reduction in domestic burglary, the sixth highest reduction in England and Wales compared with a six per cent reduction nationally and a 30 per cent reduction in non-domestic burglary – the highest reduction in England and Wales.
- A 10 per cent reduction in sexual offences – Bedfordshire had the second lowest sexual offence rate in England and Wales.
- An 11 per cent reduction in Violence Against the Person crime compared to a 6% reduction nationally.
An area where the force is working to improve is in the reduction of robbery.
The force continues to see offences increase, placing them fourth highest in England and Wales.
Mr Richer added; “We are not complacent and a great deal of work is going on to reduce this area of crime and while the robbery figures are still too high overall we must acknowledge that as a percentage of crime they remain quite small.”
The publication also covered British Crime Survey data and local attitudes towards the police, achieving 56 per cent of the public agreeing ‘Bedfordshire Police are dealing with the things that matter to people in this community’
And 56 per cent of the public agreeing with the statement: “The police and local council are dealing with the anti-social behaviour and crime issues that matter in this area”.
Nationally these percentages were higher at 62 and 61 per cent respectively.
Mr Richer said: “Although these figures are lower in Bedfordshire we hope the large reduction in burglary, which the public told us was the priority, will persuade them we are working to tackle the things they are really concerned about.”
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Weather for Bedford
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 14 C
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