ACPO comment on Crime in England and Wales: quarterly first release to December 2011

ACPO lead on statistics Deputy Chief Constable Douglas Paxton said:

“The latest crime statistics published today show the ongoing determination of the service to reduce crime, protect the public and improve confidence. The reduction in crime and rise in public confidence are being achieved alongside ongoing efforts to secure significant cash savings and efficiencies within the police service.

“Police recorded data for the 12 months to December 2011 shows overall crime is down three per cent when compared with the previous 12 months. The newly named independent Crime Survey for England and Wales remains steady and broadly in line with police recorded crime.

“Public confidence in the police was also reflected in the survey, with increases in the number of people who believe the police in their local area are doing a good or excellent job and increases in the proportion of people who agree that the police are dealing with the things that matter to people in the community.

“Violence against the person decreased by seven per cent, domestic burglaries dropped three per cent and most other categories show reductions in police recorded crime. Particularly pleasing is the reduction in criminal damage shown in both police statistics and the crime survey. However there has been increases in opportunistic thefts and robbery offences and police forces are continuing their efforts to work with partners and the public to prevent these offences.

“The service is determined to continue to build on the good work reflected in these publications and the results are a credit to those officers and staff who have faced the challenge of major efficiencies while continuing to tackle crime in our communities.”

For more information please contact:

ACPO Press Office
Association of Chief Police Officers
e: press.office@acpo.pnn.police.uk