Crime figures fall more than average

The annual crime statistics showed that overall crime in the Thames Valley has dropped by 12.1 per cent compared to a national reduction of 7.1 per cent. This is the 10th largest decrease nationally.
From October 2011 to September 2012 there were 140,094 offences recorded by Thames Valley Police, compared to 159,411 during the previous year.
Overall, the Thames Valley saw a reduction in offences in all crime categories and some of the largest reductions were in violent crimes.
Offences of violence against a person decreased by 16.6 per cent in the Thames Valley (5,055 fewer victims), which is the fourth largest reduction in England and Wales, compared to a 5.4 per cent reduction nationally.
Offences of violence against a person causing injury fell by 10.5 per cent in the Thames Valley and those without injury decreased by 19.4 per cent, which is the largest reduction in England and Wales.
The number of sexual offences in the Thames Valley decreased by 5.9 per cent, compared to a 4.8 per cent decrease nationally.
Chief Constable Sara Thornton said: “These figures reflect the hard work and dedication of all the officers and staff across Thames Valley Police.
“The reductions we have seen in violent crime are a testament to the work we do to police the night-time economies of our busy towns and cities and our commitment to maintaining a frontline presence.
“We will continue to work closely with our communities and partners to carry on this good work and further drive down crime and disorder.”
Other statistics showed that business robbery fell by 37.2 per cent, while personal robbery decreased by 15.3 per cent, and overall recorded robbery fell by 18 per cent, compared to a decrease of 11.3 per cent nationally.
Domestic burglary offences have also reduced, with a 15.6 per cent decrease (1,472 fewer victims), compared to a national decrease of 6.9 per cent, and non-domestic burglary offences have decreased by 11.9 per cent, compared to an 8.7 per cent decrease nationally.
The fall in offences against vehicles in recent years has continued with a further reduction of 14.3 per cent (2,379 fewer victims), compared to 8.3 per cent in England and Wales, and criminal damage offences have also fallen by 14.7 per cent compared to a national reduction of 13.1 per cent.
Meanwhile, fraud and forgery offences fell by 15.7 per cent, compared to a 3.3 per cent decrease across England and Wales.
Deputy Chief Constable Francis Habgood added: “I welcome the fact that overall crime levels have dropped across the Thames Valley area, including the more serious categories of crime, such as violent and sexual offences.
“I would like to pay tribute to our police officers and staff whose hard work has resulted in a reduction in all crime categories.”