New figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that Cheshire continues to be one of the safest places across England and Wales, with a 6.8% reduction in the number of recorded crimes, in stark contrast to the national average decrease of just 0.9%. 

The figures released recently cover the period between January 2023 and December 2023, compared with the previous 12 months. This represents the second consecutive year that crime has fallen in Cheshire. 

Reductions were seen across many categories of crime, including public order offences (-27.9%), business robbery (-21.2%), arson (-15.4%), stalking and harassment (-15%), theft from the person (-14.4%), and violence against the person (-9.9%). 

Cheshire Police's proactive approach to tackling crime has resulted in an increase for possession of drugs offences (+64.1%) and possession of weapons offences (+40.2%). This is thanks to a huge drive in proactively stopping and searching people officers believe are up to no good. 

Chief Constable Mark Roberts said: "I am incredibly proud of these latest figures, which demonstrate the hard work of Cheshire Police officers and staff to continue to make this county a hostile place for criminals. 

"At the end of last year, more than 1,800 people were arrested during Cheshire Police's Christmas operation, with officers targeting perpetrators of anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls, domestic abuse, and drink and drug driving – with a particular focus on night-time economy hot spot areas to keep people safe over the festive period. 

"The Constabulary also supported Operations Sceptre and Calibre, which sought to tackle knife crime and street robbery respectively. This resulted in 39 knife sweeps conducted in parks and public areas across the county. 

"The 15% reduction in stalking and harassment is largely down to the incredible work of our Harm Reduction Unit. This has seen the introduction of victim proximity tags which alert victims and our control room if an offender is in close proximity to the victim. 

"Like other forces across the country, we have seen an increase in shoplifting offences (+33%), but this is below the national average increase of 37%. I want to reassure businesses that we are working hard to tackle crimes against businesses and those responsible. This includes a number of innovative and proactive measures such as SelectaDNA. 

"We have also introduced specialist facial recognition software to identify those responsible and hold them accountable, as well as applying for Criminal Behaviour Orders to ban repeat offenders from certain businesses or locations. 

"This all sets a strong message to anyone who thinks they can commit crime in Cheshire and get away with it. I hope members of the public will also be reassured of the action we will carry out to prevent our residents, businesses, and communities from becoming victims of crime." 

As well as a reduction in crime, Cheshire Constabulary has also seen significant improvements in the time it takes for calls to be answered and officers to arrive. 

Chief Constable Mark Roberts added: "Despite our officers having more than 900 square miles of ground to cover, including incredibly rural settings with limited access routes, between January and March 2024, the average time taken to arrive at an emergency incident was seven minutes and 52 seconds, well below the national 15-minute target. 

"This is in part thanks to the great work of our police staff in our control room, who play a huge role in protecting those who live in Cheshire. 

"Overall, these latest figures recognise the dedication of everyone in the Constabulary, with officers and staff members working together to ensure Cheshire is one of the safest places to live in the country."