The latest crime figures published by the Office of National Statistics which compares crime recorded between April 2016 and March 2017 with April 2017 and March 2018 show that recorded crime has risen in Cheshire by 32.9%. This represents an additional 21,593 offences, taking the total number of crimes recorded across the county in this period to 87,320.
Darren Martland, Deputy Chief Constable of Cheshire Constabulary, said: "Although the figures show an increase in overall crime, it is important to understand the context and reasons for the increase.
"Following an inspection of crime recording, conducted by HMICFRS in February 2017, Cheshire Constabulary took steps to review our crime recording processes and ensure that we were complying with Home Office counting rules. For example, previously, disorder in a public area was recorded as anti-social behaviour but it is now it is recorded as a crime (public order) which has shown an increase of 79 per cent (7,552 offences)."
DCC Martland added: "It is important to add that, in addition to the increases in crime that are is believed to be attributable to the improvement in crime recording, there have been increases in other offences, which include vehicle offences (4.2 per cent), burglary (4.6 per cent) and knife related crime (12.1 per cent compared to a national 21.9 per cent rise).
"The Constabulary has recently undertaken an operation to tackle 'county lines' which led to 29 people were jailed for more than 180 years for dealing drugs in Cheshire. We have had an ongoing operation in Runcorn tackling those who carry knives in the town which has seen dozens of arrests and we've also cracked down on burglars targeting homes for family gold.
"I would also like to highlight that, whilst there have been increases in these categories of crime, they have been less than the national average and Cheshire Constabulary has some of the lowest crime rates for these offences in the country.
"Our officers and staff are committed to working with our partners to prevent crime, support victims and protect vulnerable people."
David Keane, Cheshire's police and crime commissioner, said ""While the latest crime statistics for Cheshire don't show as large an increase as the previous figures released in April - where we saw a 36.4 per cent increase in recorded crime in the 12 months to December 2017 - I am disappointed to see that this time around comparatively with other forces, Cheshire has seen the second highest increase in recorded crime.
"Despite this increase, I would like to reassure residents that Cheshire remains a very safe place to live."
He added ""As we know from previous ONS statistics, certain types of offences have seen a spike due to how they're recorded in the constabulary's new crime recording system. However, yet again, we've seen an increase in crime categories that we wouldn't expect to be impacted by improvements in crime recording practices; this includes a 36.5 per cent increase in possession of weapons offences, and an increase in some burglary and vehicle offences."
"While I am pleased that the constabulary has already put in place successful campaigns to target perpetrators of these types of crimes - which we will hopefully start to see the positive impact of in future ONS releases - I would like to reassure the public that I am constantly monitoring the performance of the constabulary to ensure they are delivering the best possible police service for our communities."
Victims of crime in Cheshire are encouraged to report it to Cheshire Police online or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.
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