Crime down four per cent

Figures from the Office of National Statistics for the year up to the end of June 2014 show there were 6,131 fewer victims of crime in the area last year.

There were reductions in house burglaries, which decreased by 15 per cent, and robberies were down 10 per cent.

Vehicle crime has also been reduced by five per cent and there were 448 fewer thefts from people.

While there have been 1,418 more victims of violent crime, police believe this is due to increases in violence without injury.

However, the number of sex offences also increased by five per cent, thought to be linked to victims’ confidence in reporting these offences to the police.

Mr Mark Burns-Williamson, the Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire, said: “Once again, these figures demonstrate that West Yorkshire Police officers and staff are working incredibly hard to help bring down crime across the county.

“Domestic burglary remains a priority in the Police and Crime Plan and reducing it so significantly is testament to the work of West Yorkshire Police and partners.

“I have noted that there have been increases in incidents of violence without injury, sexual offences, bicycle theft and shoplifting. Apart from bicycle theft, these are all below the national increase.

“I will be addressing the increases with the Temporary Chief Constable and see what more can be done to bring these figures down.”

John Robins, temporary Deputy Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police, said: “Our staff are continuing to work incredibly hard against a backdrop of further reductions in funding and at a time when the organisation is seeing some of the most significant changes in policing in its history.” For more statistics, visit www.ons.gov.uk.