3.2% Crime Reduction in Derbyshire

On Wednesday July 14th 2011 the Home Office published the annual crime figures for England and Wales for 2010-11.

Crime overall in Derbyshire has reduced from 68,005 in 2009/10 to 65,884 in 2010/11, meaning there were more than 2,000 fewer victims this year compared to last year.

Compared to 2002/03, when National Crime Recording Standards were introduced across the country, there are 37,000 fewer victims of crime, an overall reduction of 36 per cent.

The end of year illustrate the following reductions:

  • Domestic burglary reduced from 3,772 to 3,693 (down 2%)
  • Vehicle crime reduced from 6,673 to 5,594 (down 16%)
  • Criminal damage reduced from 14,635 to 12,813 (down 12%)
  • Anti-social behaviour incidents were reduced from 67,841 to 62,945 (down 8%)
  • However, the figures also saw an increase in Violent crime*, which increased from 16,243 to 16,961, up 4%

Chief Constable Mick Creedon of Derbyshire Constabulary said: "It's a fantastic achievement to have recorded an eighth year in a row of crime reductions and I must pay tribute to the commitment, dedication and hard work of all our officers and staff".

"It's also important to recognise that the police are only one part of the fight against crime - numerous partner agencies across the city and county make a huge contribution".

"For me there's one important figure that isn't included in all this data and that is how satisfied are victims of crime with the service you give them. Reducing crime is essential but making sure we treat people fairly, keeping them informed, giving them a good service- that is a fundamental part of our business and at the moment 90 per cent of victims we deal with say they are satisfied".

Mr Creedon said he was conscious that violent crime was the one area going in the wrong direction, adding, "It is something I am very aware of and we have a detailed plan on how to tackle it. Much of it is alcohol related but nevertheless it is an area we have work to do in. I am pleased to see that in the first three months of this year that we are seeing the tide beginning to turn".

Philip Hickson, Chairman of Derbyshire Police Authority, said: "These results are very impressive, particularly when considered against a backdrop of funding cuts and organisational change. Eight consecutive years of crime reduction shows that there has been no let-up when it comes to police performance and our commitment to keep Derbyshire people safe".

The Home Office figures show that Derbyshire has a sanction detection rate of 25.4%, however this does not include Restorative Justice resolutions. When these resolutions are included Derbyshire has a positive outcome rate (a combination of sanction detections and RJ resolutions) of 33.6%.

Positive outcomes are those crimes where an offender has been identified and the crime solved to the satisfaction of the victim. 

From April next year the figures will include RJ outcomes. Restorative Justice was launched in April 1, 2009 and allows local crimes to be dealt with in a way that achieves a positive outcome in accordance with the victims' wishes without the case going through the court process.

Crimes which can be dealt with in this way include criminal damage, minor assaults and minor theft. Restorative Justice disposals increased from 4,378 to 5,392.

*Violent Crime is a combination of violence against the person, assaults, sexual offences and robbery.