Overall crime in the Gwent area is down 18% year-on-year, according to the latest Home Office figures.
Between June 2011 and June 2012 there were 36,499 crimes compared to 44,294 between June 2010 and June 2011.
Gwent Police Assistant Chief Constable Simon Prince welcomed the figures.
He said: “The figures released today are once again good news for the residents of Gwent. They are also another endorsement of our flexible and innovative approach to tackling crime, and the educational work we do with our partners to prevent crime.
“In addition to the police and partner agencies, Gwent residents must again take some credit for this improved performance. As our local neighbourhood teams work even closer with communities our crime prevention advice is being taken on board and people are securing their property and improving their personal safety. In addition more and more residents are providing us with information about the small minority of people who commit crimes in our communities and we are then able to take action and put a stop to their criminality.”
Figures show that across Gwent:
Burglary was down 22% or 1,448 fewer instances
Robbery was down 31% or 60 fewer victims
Vehicle crime was down 31% or 1,860 fewer instances
Criminal damage was down 21% or 1,816 fewer instances
Violence against the person was down 17% or 1,361 fewer incidents
ACC Prince added: “It goes without saying that I’m very proud of the performance of Gwent officers and staff, but given the challenging economic backdrop and the budget reductions we are facing, their hard work and dedication is even more impressive.”
Chair of the Police Authority Cilla Davies commented: “On behalf of Gwent Police Authority I must again congratulate our officers and staff for continuing to drive down crime and anti social behaviour. Today’s figures will further enhance Gwent Police’s reputation as one of the best performing Forces in England and Wales.”
Reported and recorded crime that is.
The Gwent Police, as is common with most other Police Forces will now only offer a complainant of a crime, an ` incident` number, not a crime report number. Is there a difference????