Home Office official figures released today show Cleveland Police as having achieved the sixth largest reduction in total recorded crime in the country.
Over the twelve month period June 2009 – June 2010, total recorded crime in Cleveland reduced by 14% in comparison with the preceding twelve months. This compares with an average reduction of 8% nationally.
This means that there were nearly 7,500 fewer victims of crime in the Cleveland Police area.
Cleveland also showed the joint highest reduction of any Force in the category of other theft (down 13%) and high reduction in robbery (down 27%), violence against the person – without injury (down 13%), and burglary (down 16%).
Cleveland also remains in the top ten Forces when it comes to public confidence.
Chief Constable of Cleveland Police Sean Price said: “Our annual crime figures continue to be the lowest ever recorded in Cleveland. The Home Office figures released today show that we have performed well against other Forces and I am pleased to have achieved significant reductions in our priority areas of robbery, violence and burglary.
“This is thanks to the hard work of our staff and the support we have received from our partners and local communities.
“As the spending review becomes a reality out commitment to Putting People First means that our focus will remain on delivering a first class service to our communities during the difficult financial climate.”
Added Cleveland Police Authority Chair, Councillor Dave McLuckie “The fact that once again we have achieved one of the best performances in the country underlines the commitment of every officer and member of staff—and vindicates our determination as an authority to put resources where they really matter...on the front line. Above all it is good news for our local communities at time when things generally look pretty bleak.
“Coming just a day after we learned of the planned spending cuts to be faced by the police service over the next four years, these figures show what a great deal we have achieved...and what a tough challenge it will be to maintain—and hopefully still continue to improve— our high performance.
“I want to assure the people we serve that we will do every humanly possible to make sure that happens.”