People in North Wales are less likely to be the victims of burglary or injured as a result of violence and the majority of those who live here are confident that the police are doing a good job.
Home Office statistics released today (Thursday) show that North Wales is below the England and Wales average on a number of crime rates and above average when it comes public confidence in their local police force.
The British Crime Survey showed that in North Wales 59% of those asked consider North Wales Police to be dealing with local concerns.
The joint confidence target shared by the Police and local authorities showed a steady increase over the 12 months to September 2009 and now stands at 49%.
North Wales is one of the few Forces in England and Wales to have seen a significant reduction in the number of people who perceive high levels of anti social behaviour, drug use or dealing problems and drunkenness or rowdy behaviour.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable, Geraint Anwyl, said: “We are very pleased that public confidence continues to increase in North Wales Police and local people can be reassured by these figures that show the area to be one of the safest places to live. Dealing with anti social behaviour, drunkenness and rowdiness has been a focus for the Force and this has clearly paid off.”
The statistics also show that the chances of being the victim of a burglary in North Wales is low at 7 per 1,000 population. (The Welsh figure is 9, England and Wales is 11). North Wales, again at 7 per 1,000 population, is also below the national figure for violence resulting in injury. (The Welsh and the England and Wales figure is 8). Car crime stands at 6 per 1,000 in North Wales compared to 10 across both England and Wales.
Geraint Anwyl said: “Across the region we are working hard to make sure that we drive down crime and continue to make North Wales an even safer place. Where crime does occur North Wales Police has a good record for detecting these offences. All credit needs to be paid to the hard work of officers, staff and partners throughout the force area.”
Alun Lewis, Vice Chairman of North Wales Police Authority, said: “We were naturally delighted that the British Crime Survey has confirmed that North Wales is one of the safest places to live and work in the UK.
“We would like to pay tribute to the hard work and sheer dedication of the officers and senior managers of the Force in achieving such excellent results.
“In the coming year we will build on the Force’s strong track to further improve trust and confidence in our communities.”
