Crime falls 7pc across Staffordshire figures reveal

The number of crimes committed across Staffordshire has dropped by seven per cent in the past 12 months, according to the latest figures.

Staffordshire Police revealed there were 4,926 fewer recorded crimes in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent between April 2011 and the end of March this year – a total of 65,711 offences – compared to 70,637 offences for the same period the previous year.

Figures show serious crime including burglary, robbery and vehicle crime, fell to 8,342 from 9,272, a 10 per cent drop.

Assistant Chief Constable Julian Blazeby said: "I am really pleased that less recorded crimes means there are less victims of crime. People's homes are getting safer, so are their vehicles and other property and, importantly, so are they.

"Staffordshire is a safe place and it's getting even safer. This is a real tribute to the efforts of police, partners and communities working together to deal with what matters."

Police chiefs also revealed that overall crime has fallen significantly in recent years with there being over 39,000 less recorded crimes in the county last year compared to five years ago. In 2006/2007 there were 104,336 with 65,711 in 2011/12.

David Pearsall, chair of Staffordshire Police Authority, added: "The police authority is responsible for holding the force to account for its performance.

"Most importantly, those crimes which Staffordshire citizens tell us matter most to them are continuing to fall markedly."

Crime in the West Midlands is at its lowest level in a decade despite £38 million of cuts hitting police budgets over four years.

Statistics show there have been 20,000 fewer victims of crime across the region in the year to this month compared to the same period last year. Reductions have also been achieved in serious violence, burglary, vehicle crimes and business crime according to the statistics.