NORTHUMBRIA NORTHUMBRIA Chief Constable Mike Craik is delighted to announce that the force's unrivalled track record in reducing crime continued in 2007/08.

Latest figures up to the end of March this year show that there were nearly 20,000 fewer victims of crime than in the previous year – that’s an overall drop of more than 15% compared to 2006/07.

More than 38% of all offences were detected and all categories of crime have reduced in the last 12 months.

And the chief constable is also pleased to announce that overall crime in Northumbria has fallen by 34% compared to five years ago.

Over 6,000 fewer homes were broken into when compared to five years ago (down over 55%) and almost 10,500 fewer cars were subject crime in the same period (down over 44%).

Northumbria is also leading the way in its 'most similar forces' group which includes Merseyside, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Cleveland and West Midlands, coming top for reducing total crime, vehicle crime, house burglary, robbery, total violent crime and drug crime.

"We are justly proud of this record-breaking achievement," said Mr Craik.

"But it would not be possible without the professionalism and dedication of all Northumbria Police employees, the help and support of the Northumbria Police Authority who provide us with the resources to do the job, our partners in the criminal justice system and lastly, but most importantly, the people of Northumbria who continue to back their local police force in the never-ending fight to keep our communities safe.

"Over 70% of  police officer time is spent on frontline duties and by putting Total Policing top of our agenda, we are protecting those who stick to the law and taking effective enforcement action against those who don't.

"And we are listening to local people and responding to their needs to ensure we deliver the service they want."

Councillor Mick Henry, chairman of Northumbria Police Authority, added: "These figures are recognition of the fantastic work of Northumbria Police over the last 12 months.

"Together we will now look to the future  to continue this success.  We will  concentrate on the priorities identified by local people, work in partnership  with local councils and other organisations that support community safety and  make sure that resources are available to support the Chief Constable's commitment to meeting the needs of people in Northumberland and Tyne and  Wear."

MEETING THE NEEDS OF NORTHUMBRIA

Northumbria Police's capacity to meet the needs of its citizens will be enhanced by the recruitment of additional staff over the next 12 months.

They will be a mix of police officers, community support officers and police staff, all with vital roles in the provision of important policing services to local people.

Chief Constable Mike Craik said: "I'm deliberately not going into detail about which staff will be employed in which roles, as this is about increasing our overall capacity and deploying the most appropriate person for the response required.

"Whether that person is a police officer, a community support officer or a member of police staff, they are all part of the overall Northumbria policing team.

In response to what the public have said are their priorities, over the next 12 months the force will focus on a number of key issues:

* anti-social behaviour
* criminal damage
* drink-related disorder

"These are the issues which people tell us they want to be tackled, and these are the issues which have the most detrimental effect on people's quality of life," said Mr Craik.

"In addition, we will focus on our quality of service. This is why we've set up Neighbourhood Policing Teams in every neighbourhood, it's why we've introduced a single non-emergency number for people to call, and it's why we now have a diary car and appointments system so that we can give a non-emergency response when it's most convenient for members of the public.

"You can still walk into a police station and ask for assistance or report a crime, but you may have to wait a while before someone becomes available. How much better would it be if you could make an appointment at a mutually convenient time?

"We also want people to understand that the service we offer is timely and appropriate. For instance, if you are unfortunate enough to have your house burgled, you may not get a squad car zoom up to your door within ten minutes, but you will get a scenes of crime officer whose forensic expertise will be the key to tracing the offender."

* For non-emergency incidents and reports, the number to ring is 03456 043 043 *

SUMMARY OF CRIME FIGURES

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