Force continues to reduce crime across South Yorkshire
Thursday, 20 October, 2011
The last four years has seen crime cut by over a third in South Yorkshire and the latest figures show that trend continuing.
Today the county's Force has released its recorded crime statistics for October 2010 to September 2011 compared with the previous 12-month period. The figures show a similar reduction to those released in July with total crime down 7,919 offences across South Yorkshire - a 7% reduction to 100,990.
Criminal damage, fraud, vehicle crime and violent crime show significant reductions but theft and drug offences have increased. Recorded burglary offences across the Force are similar with a 2% reduction but firearms offences and knife crimes have reduced significantly.
Assistant Chief Constable Max Sahota said: "Crime in South Yorkshire is at its lowest level since 1990 and you have to go back another decade to see fewer recorded house burglaries and vehicle crimes across the county.
"Crime statistics provide a useful indicator of the Force's performance but our officers and staff will not lose sight of what's really important - the victims of crime and the impact criminal activity has on their lives and livelihoods.
"It's our job to tackle crime and keep people safe. Fewer crimes mean fewer victims and while the Force has consistently said it will be difficult to keep reducing crime in the current economic climate, we'll continue to deliver the best possible service to communities across South Yorkshire."
Total vehicle crime is down 16% by 2,317 crimes to 12,606 comparing October 2010 to September 2011 with the previous year. This includes theft of vehicles, down 477 offences to 3,006, and theft from vehicles, down 1,636 to 8,417 crimes.
House burglaries have fallen 2% by 163 offences to 7,293. Other burglaries are also down 2% by 189 crimes to 8,921.
Theft and handling stolen goods offences have increased by 1,253 crimes, a 5% rise to 28,213. Drug crimes are also up slightly by 2%, an increase of 76 to 5,123 offences.
Criminal damage offences have fallen by 13%, down 2,900 crimes to 19,763. Fraud and forgery offences are down 22%, a 611 drop to 2,163 crimes.
Total violent crime has reduced by 15%, a drop of 2,828 offences to 15,775 comparing October 2010 to September 2011 with the previous 12-month period. The crime category includes:
Violence against the person offences - down 16% to 14,061, a reduction of 2,585 crimes
Robbery - down 16% by 160 offences to 838
Sexual offences - down 83 crimes, a 9% drop to 876
Firearms offences (excluding air weapons) have dropped by 64, a 36% reduction to 114 crimes. Knife crime is down 21%, falling 117 offences to 446.
