Crime Figures Down, But Concern Over Rise In Sex Offences In Wychavon
November 19, 2008 11:48 AM
Commenting today on the latest recorded crime figures for Wychavon and Malvern Hill districts published by the Home Office, local parliamentary candidate Richard Burt praised police for an overall reduction in crime, but raised concerns over a steep rise in recorded sexual offences within Wychavon.
Mr Burt said that recorded crime offences between 06/07 and 07/08 were down 15% in Wychavon and 13% in Malvern Hills districts.
"Overall, this is good news for residents in West Worcestershire and our local policing teams deserve credit for this improvement.
"Our recent resident's survey of 1000 homes in Pershore also underlined this improvement in the public perception of crime.
"Of course this is no consolation for anyone who is a victim of crime, but it is pleasing to know that recorded crime figures for violent offences, robbery, burglary and theft from vehicles have all fallen in both districts over the past year.
"However, the number of sexual offences recorded in Wychavon has leaped by 59% from 49 to 78 recorded offences over the same period. There was no change in the numbers in Malvern Hills, and this is by far the largest increase in sexual offences for the entire West Mercia Force area.
"This is clearly a major concern. I will be writing to the Chief Constable as a matter of urgency to ask what possible explanation there can be for this increase and what measures the police and other agencies can take to reduce the actual instances of sexual crime dramatically."
Figures can be viewed at:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/crimeew0708.html
Crime statistics by local authority are towards the bottom on the links.
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