REPORTED crime figures for the period April to December 2002 - the first nine months of the current financial year - in North Cumbria show a reduction of incidents in the area.

A total of 9,808 offences were reported to the police - 64.3 crimes per thousand population in North Cumbria - compared to the England and Wales average figure of 78.3 crimes per thousand population over a similar nine month period in 2001/02.

The number of reported vehicle crimes was 1,294 - 8.5 crimes per thousand population in North Cumbria, compared to the England and Wales average figure of 14 crimes per thousand population over a similar nine month period in 2001/02.

The number of burglaries of dwellings reported was 458 - 6.8 crimes per thousand households in North Cumbria, compared to the England and Wales average figure of 14.7 crimes per thousand households over a similar nine month period in 2001/02.

Superintendent Brian Horn, Area Commander of North Cumbria, said:" These crime figures show significant reductions and are very encouraging, particularly burglary of dwellings, which is down by 30 per cent compared to this time last year. We are are making excellent progress towards achieving our annual reduction targets in almost all categories.

"It is comforting to know that not only are we well below the national average for these crimes, but that they are continuing to show a steady and real decrease."

But the number of incidents of disorder reported was 8,920 - 58.4 incidents per thousand population in North Cumbria, compared to the England and Wales average figure of 41.3 incidents per thousand population over a similar nine month period in 2001/02.

Superintendent Horn added: "The challenge for 2003 is to increase the momentum and concentrate on tackling anti-social behaviour and disorder, which are areas the public feel particularly strongly about because they impact on their quality of life.

"Fear of crime is an important issue - people worry disproportionately about being a victim when in reality their chances are low in this county.

"We are going to extend local policing teams across North Cumbria to improve our links with communities and boost public reassurance.

"I also want to reduce street crime and target car crime and burglary by concentrating on repeat offenders and working with other agencies. We need to tackle drug-related crime because it accounts for a high proportion of crime, such as theft from cars."

February 5, 2003 12:00