Crime in Lincolnshire

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) have released figures for the year ending September 2014.

Nationally, Police recorded crime showed no overall change, with 3.7 million offences recorded. However in Lincolnshire, overall crime is down 2 per cent .

Commenting on the statistics, Assistant Chief Constable Peter Davies said, “In Lincolnshire Police we are keen to see reductions in recorded crime as they give us encouragement that our efforts, along with those of partners, are helping to make the county ever safer.

“We have long had a high standard of integrity in our crime recording - as recently demonstrated independently by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary - so our figures are reliable. This year we are seeing a continued reduction in crime, which of course is to be welcomed. Within that, however, there are some areas which are not following the downward trend and of course those receive our close attention so that we can understand what is occurring, provide the best possible service to victims and reduce the risk to the public further.

“The still growing awareness of the threats to the public which often go unreported, such as online crimes, domestic or child abuse, or modern day slavery, mean that our recorded crime figures can never tell the whole story. Our efforts and those of our partners go towards reducing all types of risk to the safety of people who live or work in or visit Lincolnshire.

“Our officers and staff, our partners and our vigilant and active communities all deserve thanks for their efforts.

“Members of the public who want to know how they can support us in our fight against crime should visit our website or call us. Anyone who wants to know more about what is going on in their area can, for example, join a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme or sign up to Lincs Alert. Protecting the people of Lincolnshire is a team effort and we welcome your participation.”

In response to the apparent increase in sexual offences, Superintendent Rick Hatton, Head of Lincolnshire Police’s Public Protection Unit, said: “There are a myriad of factors that could explain why we have seen a rise in these types of figures, not least because it is possible that there has been an increase in reporting.

“This could be because of some of the recent publicity surrounding historic sex cases; a willingness of victims to come forward coupled with an improvement in victim confidence; and improved recording of these types of incidents. Within Lincolnshire the police, together with our partners, have demonstrated a real commitment to meet the needs of victims whether that be through the courts or via support services.

“In addition, online incidents and those that involve technology such as smart phones are also being recorded and reported in these types of crimes. The use of technology has enabled offenders to target people in a variety of different ways and this is what we are increasingly seeing.”

The full ‘Crime in England and Wales, Year Ending September 2014’ statistical bulletin is available here:

http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/rel/crime-stats/crime-statistics/year-ending-september-2014/stb-crime-in-england-and-wales--year-ending-september-2014.html