Officers recorded 108,745 offences for 2012 to 2013 in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, a 15 per cent drop from 128,690 in 2011 to 2012.
Chief constable Andy Marsh said he wants the force’s area to be a ‘hostile environment for criminals’.
The figures revealed today show serious violent crime fell 21 per cent, from 803 offences to 631 offences. Burglaries, robberies and vehicle crime also decreased, from 15,589 to 12,180, a drop of 22 per cent. The total solved crime rate remains at 31 per cent, the same as the year previous.
Mr Marsh praised officers, staff and volunteers in the face of budget constraints, and also thanked the public for their help. He added burglary, thefts from vehicles and robbery have both been targeted by officers in recent years.
‘I took up the post of chief constable in February and it is my intention to continue to drive down crime levels and ensure these positive results continue. I am clear, however, that there is no room for complacency, particularly with further challenges ahead for the police service. I am passionate about ensuring we provide policing that has exceptional leadership at all levels which will make Hampshire and the Isle of Wight a place where people will always feel safe to live, work and visit.’
Simon Hayes, the police and crime commissioner for Hampshire, said: ‘I would like to congratulate the constabulary on the past year’s performance which has seen crime levels fall for the sixth consecutive year. Whilst this has resulted in further reductions in those crimes that have the greatest impact on our communities, it creates even greater challenges for the year ahead.’
Original article publised by: http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/crime/crime-drops-in-hampshire-for-sixth-year-1-5009198