Crime-cut police force vows to keep up progress

Nottinghamshire Police said that 30 years ago it recorded 88,927 offences, while for the year 2010-11 the figure was lower at 84,329, with reductions in almost all categories.

Overall the decrease represents a 14.2 per cent reduction in crime in the county, with the total number of offences for 2009/10 standing at 98,319.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Broadbent said the figures meant Nottinghamshire Police was officially the force with the greatest reduction in crime nationally, with the reduction three times the national average.

He added: “These results show there are ultimately almost 14,000 fewer people who have been victims of crime.

“We are proud of what we have achieved over the last 12 months, and having the lowest recorded crime figures for 30 years is testament to the hard work of all our officers and staff.

“I recognise that there are significant challenges ahead, with savings of more than £40m required over the next four years, but we are determined to protect front- line services to continue to lock up criminals and keep the public safe.”

The only crime category to see an increase in the last 12 months was drugs offences, an anomaly Mr Broadbent said was explained by increased police activity and information from the public.

Officers recorded a 26.2 per cent reduction in burglary, a 23.1 per cent reduction in car crime and a 21.0 per cent decrease in criminal damage offences.

Mr Broadbent added: ”We have seen some of the largest reductions nationally, and we are noticeably reducing crime more quickly than other forces.

”We are not complacent and we maintain it is our ambition to be the best force in the country by 2015.”