Crime Falls Across The East

18 July 2013, 15:11

Crime in Norfolk and Suffolk is falling faster than the national average.

Between April 2012 and April 2013 the number of recorded offences fell by 12.4% in Suffolk and 9.4% in Norfolk. Nationally the number dropped by 9%.

Suffolk Chief Constable Douglas Paxton said: “I am pleased that that both crime and detections are heading in the right direction – and I believe it demonstrates the dedication and commitment of our officers and staff to keep our county safe.”

Norfolk Police and Crime Commissioner Stephen Bett said: “I am tremendously pleased with this report as it gives recognition to the major achievement of Norfolk Constabulary in addressing the financial challenge that the government presented us with three years ago.”

The latest figures from the Home Office show come after crime fell in Suffolk for the seventh consecutive year, with 40,009 offences recorded during 2012/13 – 5,632 fewer than in the previous year.

In Norfolk, the figures showed that crime fell from 42,154 crimes in the financial year 2011/12 to 38,191 in 2012/13 – a reduction of 3,963 fewer crimes while the number of crimes solved (detection rate) increased to 41% (from 37%) – the highest overall detection rate in the last eight years.

Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: “The financial challenges that the Constabulary face continue and funding across the whole of the public sector is tight and getting tighter and I am sure the successful collaboration work with Norfolk Constabulary and other partners is key. I am very pleased to see that despite these relentless pressures, the Constabulary is performing well.”