Crime in the Gwent Police force area has fallen, according to new Home Office statistics.
The figures, which cover the 12 months to December 2010, reveal that overall crime was down 9% – the equivalent of ten fewer victims of crime per day.
The figures show that overall there were 4,000 fewer victims of crime, with notable reductions in key areas such as robbery, criminal damage, violence against the person, and vehicle crime.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Simon Prince said: “As a force, we are extremely pleased that over the past 12 months we have seen a continuing reduction in crime.
“We have made excellent progress and we want to continue to do so, despite the difficult financial climate that presents additional challenges.
“While it is good news that the figures are falling, I have no doubt that there is more that can be done, and the force will continue to work hard to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour.”
Key highlights from the figures are:
- Violence against the person is down 11% (over 900 fewer victims)
- Robbery is down 20% (over 40 fewer victims)
- Vehicle crime is down 16% (1,000 fewer victims)
- Criminal damage is down 21% (2,000 fewer victims)
- Burglary is down 3% ( over 200 fewer victims)
Mr Prince added: “I am particularly pleased with the progress we have made around criminal damage and vehicle crime.
“These decreases again show that we are listening to the public who have made it very clear to us that tackling lower level crime and related anti social behaviour are things they want the Force to prioritise.”
Cilla Davies, chair of the Gwent Police Authority, also welcomed the statistics.
She said: “The figures released today highlight a number of areas where there has been a significant reduction in crime throughout Gwent. This is most welcome news with respect to our focus on delivering safer communities for the people living and working in Gwent.”