Gwent Police continues to lead the way for crime reduction in England and Wales

Published: Thursday, 24 January 2013

The latest official Home Office figures issued today (24/01/13) show that Gwent Police continues to be the national front-runner when it comes to cutting crime.

Overall crime is down 20% across Gwent, the biggest reduction in crime in England and Wales.

The figures, which look at the 12 months to September 2012 as compared to the 12 months to September 2011, show that a total of 34,903 crimes were committed during the latest period as compared to 43,395 in the previous period.

This means that overall there are over 8000 fewer victims of crime, or around 22 fewer crimes per day.

Operational Policing lead, Assistant Chief Constable Simon Prince said:

"The figures released today show that Gwent Police are national leaders in bringing down crime. The Force has consistently achieved big reductions in crime over the past year and this is very good news for people in Gwent.

"Once again I'm very proud of the performance of Gwent officers and staff. The dedication and pride they put into their work is inspirational, and their performance in driving down crime is even more impressive given the challenging times.

"The figures are yet another endorsement of our flexible and innovative approach to tackling crime and the preventative work we do with our partners and the public.

"Whilst the figures are very detailed, one important element which is not included is the increase in the number of convictions in Gwent. Working closely with our partners the Crown Prosecution service we are succeeding in bringing more offenders to justice. Victims are seeing even more people convicted in Court of the crimes they have committed, and having to face the consequences of their actions."

A breakdown of today's figures show that across Gwent:

Burglary was down 25% or 1571 fewer incidents

Robbery was down 31% or 22 fewer victims

Vehicle crime was down 31% or 1735 fewer incidents

Criminal damage was down 23% or 1989 fewer incidents

Violence against the person was down 18% or 1411 fewer incidents

Sexual offences down 18% or 108 fewer victims

Fraud and Forgery was down 56% or 710 fewer incidents

The only category which has seen an increase is Drugs offences which was up 12%. However this increase should be treated as a positive indicator as it shows that operations, using information provided by the public, are having a positive effect on this harmful and damaging crime.

ACC Prince added:

"Overall the news is positive but the figures published today will be of little comfort to those who have been victims of crime or anti-social behaviour. I want to make it clear to every victim of crime that Gwent Police is your Police Force - we are on your side, and we will continue to work relentlessly to target criminals and make Gwent a safer place.

"Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner Ian Johnston added:

"One of my main responsibilities as the Police and Crime Commissioner is to hold the Chief Constable to account in regards to performance on behalf of residents.

The figures published today are welcome news and I congratulate the Chief Constable and her team for their hard work and dedication.

"It goes without saying that I will continue to press for more in the way of crime reduction and the Chief Constable is fully aware that the targets I will set will be challenging but achievable. Working together we will continue to improve the policing service Gwent residents deserve."