Overall crime rate falls in Norfolk

Ben KendallNorfolk has the lowest crime rate in England despite bucking national trends by recording increases in violent crime and robbery, according to new crime figures.Ben Kendall

Norfolk has the lowest crime rate in England despite bucking national trends by recording increases in violent crime and robbery, according to new crime figures.

The force recorded an overall decrease in crimes reported by the public and chief constable Phil Gormley said the county remained the safest in the country.

Annual statistics from the Home Office show a 7pc fall in crime nationally, meaning 339,473 fewer crimes were committed last year. There was also a 3pc drop in violent crime nationwide.

But despite maintaining the lowest crime rate in the country - with 55 offences per 1,000 people being committed in Norfolk last year compared to 82 per 1,000 nationally - Norfolk police was one of only a handful of forces to see a rise in violence.

There was a 3pc rise in attacks within the county over the last 12 months and a 9pc rise in the number of attacks in which victims were injured. The figures also show a 13pc rise in robberies and 8pc more burglaries.

A spokesman said that because crime figures are so low, small fluctuations were to be expected. Many of the violent crimes were incidents of domestic violence.

Mr Gormley said: 'There is always room for improvement as we continue to work towards improving the quality of life for everyone. Statistics are one measure of success but don't tell the whole story - it is the quality of the services we deliver and whether people feel safe and confident where they live.

'We know that people are concerned about anti-social behaviour and one of our priority areas in the coming months will be to work with partners to tackle this.'

In total there were 46,000 crimes in Norfolk last year - about 4,000 fewer crimes or a 9pc fall compared to the previous year.