Angelique Foster, Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner, has welcomed new national data showing the strong progress being made across the county against the crimes that concern the public most.
The latest Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW), which covers the 12 months up to the end of March 2023, continues to cast Derbyshire in a positive light, with the force outperforming the national average in several key areas including knife crime.
For All Crime (excluding fraud), Derbyshire recorded 81.1 offences per 1,000 population in the 12 months up to March 2023. This is lower than the England and Wales average of 93.6 offences and the East Midlands average of 86 offences.
For Violence, the figure was 34 (England & Wales 35.4), Sexual Offences 3.3 (England & Wales 3.3), Theft offences 20.6 (England & Wales 28.9), Residential Burglary 2.6 (England & Wales 3.2) and Vehicle Crime 4.5 (England & Wales 6.8).
The data goes on to show recorded knife crime fell by 12% across Derbyshire in the year up to March 2023 (compared to the 12 months up to March 2020) against a national average of 7%. This is chiefly due to a decrease in knife-enabled robberies and coincides with hospital data showing a decrease in people presenting with injuries caused by sharp objects.
CSEW data also shows police recorded theft in Derbyshire fell 11% during the same time timeframe while Neighbourhood Crime (Robbery, Residential Burglary, Vehicle Theft and Theft from Person) fell 15%.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner's zero-tolerance policy towards anti-social behaviour (ASB) over the past two years has seen ASB incidents fall by 11% when compared to the 12 months to March 2020, according to the CSEW's figures.
Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster said: "These figures prove that my work with Derbyshire Constabulary, targeted investments and a clear focus on the public's key priorities included in my Police and Crime Plan are making a positive and sustained difference to public safety.
Our communities want to see tough justice with offenders brought before the courts to be punished for their crimes. They also want to see a strong and visible policing presence and to know that officers have the capability to solve crimes. Both these priorities help to deter offending and spare further victims and the evidence this is working is plain to see in these reductions.
"The substantial reduction in knife crime offences is an important achievement. Clearly, robust enforcement and early intervention work with those at risk is having the desired impact. There is much more to do, however, and I will be working hard with the Chief Constable and senior officers to deliver further improvements against my Police and Crime Plan priorities over the next 12 months."
The data shows police-recorded domestic abuse offences in Derbyshire increased by 8% during the period compared to an England and Wales average of 14%. The increase is viewed positively as it indicates increased confidence in victims to report offences to the police. Derbyshire has also improved its crime recording accuracy, particularly in relation to violence and sexual offences, which can affect the crime rate.