Crime is down in Gloucestershire for the seventh year in a row.
Figures released on Thursday July 14 show that between April 1 2010 and March 31 2011 overall crime in the county fell by 5.8 per cent, or 2,233 offences.
John Bensted, Chief Executive of the Gloucestershire Probation Trust and Chairman of the Gloucestershire Stronger Safer Justice Commission*, said the continued decrease in crime was good news for everyone who lived in, visited or worked in the county.
He said: “These latest figures are testament to the work being carried out by many agencies and individuals across Gloucestershire, as well as communities throughout the county.
“By working together we have all helped to achieve this continued reduction in crime.
“The figures alone are reason to feel proud, but what makes me feel more proud is the fact that 2,233 less offences means 2,233 less victims of crime.
“We cannot forget, however, that one crime is one crime too many and the impact of any crime can be considerable.
“We in the Commission and everyone throughout Gloucestershire needs to work together now to try and maintain these reductions in crime, and help to create a stronger and safer Gloucestershire throughout 2011 into 2012.”
Assistant Chief Constable Ivor Twydell, of Gloucestershire Constabulary, also welcomed the figures.
He said: “Crime has not only fallen countywide, it has fallen in every single Local Policing Area. From the largest decrease in the Forest of Dean, to the smallest reduction in Cheltenham, every area has improved.
“I’d like to thank every organisation around the county that has worked with us, as well as our communities, for the help they have given us in achieving these reductions.
“We know, however, that there is no reason for complacency. There have been increases in certain crimes in certain areas. However, we are very clear about what we and our partners need to do to tackle these problems and the public can have confidence that, despite the challenges facing us, particularly financially, we will do everything we can to maintain these reductions.
“I would ask everyone to help us with that. Give us your support, help us to solve crimes and do your best to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of crime. The challenge now is to reduce crime again this year.”
The crime figures for the county are as follows:
| Area | 2010/11 | 2009/10 | Percentage change |
| County | 36044 | 38277 | -5.8% |
| Cheltenham | 10178 | 10538 | -3.4% |
| Gloucester | 10880 | 11516 | -5.5% |
| Stroud | 5043 | 5395 | -6.5% |
| Tewkesbury | 3236 | 3616 | -10.5% |
| Forest | 2960 | 3351 | -11.7% |
| Cotswolds | 3653 | 3812 | -4.2% |
Broken down by crime categories the figures are as follows:
| Crime Category | 2010/11 | 2009/10 | Percentage Change |
| Violence Against the Person | 6276 | 7324 | -14.3% |
| Sexual Offences | 531 | 564 | -5.9% |
| Robbery | 310 | 207 | 49.8% |
| Domestic Burglary | 2644 | 2453 | 7.8% |
| Non-Domestic Burglary | 3346 | 3073 | 8.9% |
| Theft Of Motor Vehicles | 911 | 1004 | -9.3% |
| Theft From Motor Vehicles | 2800 | 2866 | -2.3% |
| Other Theft and Handling | 9756 | 9765 | -0.1% |
| Fraud and Forgery | 1014 | 1080 | -6.1% |
| Criminal Damage | 6409 | 7481 | -14.3% |
| Drugs Offences | 1493 | 1776 | -15.9% |
| Other Offences | 554 | 684 | -19.0% |
| TOTAL CRIME | 36044 | 38277 | -5.8% |
This press release was prepared by Kate Nelmes, Media Manager, Gloucestershire Constabulary. (01452) 754302.
*The Gloucestershire Safer Stronger Justice Commission is represented by the following organisations: Gloucestershire Probation Trust, Gloucestershire Constabulary, Local Authorities, Gloucestershire Voluntary Assembly, NHS Gloucestershire, Public Health, Youth Offending Service, HM Prison Gloucester, Legal Services Commission, HM Courts Service, Crown Prosecution Service, Community Safety Partnerships and Gloucestershire Police Authority.
