Crime has dropped to the same low levels as 25 years ago, with South Wales Police recording less than 100,000 crimes in the 12 month period up to June 2010 – a feat not repeated since 1985.
Crime figures for 2009/2010 released by the Home Office today reveal that crime overall in the South Wales Police area has fallen by 13.3% compared to 2008/2009, equating to 42 less victims of crime per day, placing the Force as the 9th most improved in Wales and England for reducing crime.
The figures show that there were 15,409 fewer victims of crime overall, with notable reductions in key areas such as burglary and vehicle crime.
The biggest drop was in robbery with South Wales Police the 3rd most improved force after offences fell by 29.5%.
Vehicle crime also dropped by 24.6%, equating to 4040 less victims of crime overall, meaning there were 11 less victims per day.
There was also a significant reduction in the number of homes burgled with the force the 5th most improved, with 1086 fewer break-ins, a reduction of 18.7%.
The figures also reveal that South Wales Police is the most improved force throughout England and Wales for sexual offences, with 109 fewer offences recorded.
Criminal damage has dropped by over 20%, with 5544 fewer offences resulting in 15 less victims of crime per day.
Violence against the person also fell by 6.9%, resulting in 1435 less victims overall and 4 less victims of violent crime every day.
South Wales Police were rated the most improved Welsh force for 8 out of the 11 crime categories.
Force detection rates are also up to 30.9%.
Deputy Chief Constable Colette Paul said:
“Our staff should take great pride in knowing that they have helped to bring crime in South Wales down to its lowest level since 1985.
“The figures out today evidence the determined attitudes of our staff to make a difference to life in South Wales, and although we’re facing challenging times, we will strive to maintain these excellent performance levels so our communities continue to get a policing service they can rely on.
“As said yesterday, we anticipate knowing more detail about our budget in early December, after the Home Office have worked through the implications of the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review in more depth.
“Having said that, we know that we are going to have to do more with less, but relentlessly pursuing offenders to seek justice for victims of crime will always be our top priority no matter what.
“We hope the news of crime falling to its lowest level for 25 years will be as big a boost to our communities as it is for us at South Wales Police.”
South Wales has seen a 17% reduction in reported anti-social behaviour in the last year, which equates to 42 less reported incidents per day.
DCC Paul added: “With over 15,000 less victims of crime and offences reduced by 13.3%, South Wales Police has been placed as the 9th most improved force from the 43 throughout Wales and England.
“Victim satisfaction also continues to improve, with almost 9 out of 10 victims in our communities saying they are satisfied with their experience.
“Tackling antisocial behaviour continues to be high on the agenda for us, and we will carry on working closely with our partners and communities to address the issues that matter most to the public we serve.”
Recorded Crime Figures Summary (and South Wales ranking in brackets amongst 43 other forces):
- Recorded crime down 13.3% (9th most improved)
- Sexual offences down 13.1% (1st most improved)
- Robbery down 29.5% (3rd most improved)
- Dwelling burglary down 18.7% (5th most improved)
- Vehicle crime down 24.6% (6th most improved)
- Criminal damage down 20.7% (10th most improved)
- Violence against person down 6.9% (17th most improved)
