HERTFORDSHIRE CRIME FALLING QUICKER THAN NATIONAL LEVELS

NATIONAL crime statistics released by the Home Office today (Thursday) show that overall recorded crime fell between July and September 2007 compared with same period the previous year. Hertfordshire statistics for the same period showed an even bigger drop in crime in the county - 13% compared to the national 9%.

In Hertfordshire over the three month period most serious violence against the person fell by 36% (16% nationally), sexual offences fell by 23% (9% nationally) and robbery fell by 24% (17% nationally).

Encouragingly, vehicle crimes, which had increased in the previous months in Hertfordshire, are now showing a 6% decrease.

One crime category did increase: drug offences increased by 22% in Herts and 21% nationally, reflecting increased police activity targeting drug dealers and users. It is well known that drugs dealing fuels other crimes and that tackling drugs can help to positively reduce crime.

Ian Laidlaw-Dickson, Chair of Herts Police Authority said: "I am pleased once again to see these very encouraging reductions in crime, which build on overall reductions in crime in the preceding years. This helps back our belief that Hertfordshire continues to be one of the safest counties in the country.”

Chief Constable Frank Whiteley said: “ Whilst I’m particularly pleased with the falls in overall crime, robbery and violence which are helping to make Hertfordshire an even safer county, reflecting some of the excellent work being carried out by Constabulary officers, staff and our partners, we are not complacent and would like to see further reductions across the county.”