The latest Office of National Statistics figures show that Wiltshire Police recorded the lowest number of crimes of any of the 42 forces in the country.
However, increases in types of crimes reported included an eight percent rise in sexual offences including rape.
The data relates to the 12 months up to September of last year.
According to the ONS, the number of reported crimes per head of population in Wiltshire was 52.7 for every 1000 residents.
There were increases in reports of offences including violence without injury, stalking and harassment, sexual offences, public order offences and robbery. However, in these crime areas Wiltshire Police remained below the levels of similar force areas, such as in the case of violence without injury, which saw a 5.5 percent increase, but was seventh lowest in the country per head of population.
Supt Sarah Robbins said: “While we shouldn’t rely on statistics to tell the whole story - the indications from this latest set of results reflect the real achievements we are making as an organisation to drive down crime volume throughout the county.
“We never forget that behind these statistics are real victims of crime - and we cautiously welcome the indication that we have fewer victims of crime per head of population than all 42 other police forces in England and Wales.
“Whilst we accept that not all crime is reported, we have been working hard to encourage community engagement and trust with our officers in order to reach out to victims.
“We are beginning to see notable success in this regard, as evidenced by increased reporting of stalking and harassment and sexual offences.
"These figures bring into sharp focus the fact that despite being one of the lowest funded forces in the country - we are among the top performing areas when compared to similar force areas.
“We recognise that there is still much work to be done.
“But at the same time we should take encouragement from these results, especially the overall fall in the number of victims of crime which reflects the hard work and professionalism shown at all levels of the organisation which continues to respond highly effectively in the face of increasing demand, at a time of huge challenge and change for the organisation.
“We never rest on our laurels, it’s important to recognise and cautiously welcome the great strides we have made as an organisation.
“The achievements to date are the result of a culture of embracing transparency, scrutiny and a desire to continually adapt and improve as we evolve as an organisation to meet the rapidly changing nature of crime and public protection.
“Working closely with the Police and Crime Commissioner, who has a vital role in holding the force to account on behalf of the public, we continue to seek to make constant improvements as an organisation.
“In Wiltshire Police there is a culture of duty and professionalism that runs like a thread through everything we do - I am Immensely proud of what we have achieved and continue to build upon."
The ONS report revealed that Wiltshire Police saw an eight percent increase in reports of sexual offences and a 12 percent increase in reported stalking and harassment offences.
Your Comments
Be the first to comment on this article
Login or Register to post a comment on this article