POLICE bosses have welcomed the news that Wiltshire remains one of the safest places in the country, with overall crime falling faster than the national average.

National crime figures, released by the Office for National Statistics show Wiltshire’s crime has seen a 2 per cent decrease in comparison to 0.5 per cent nationally.

Wiltshire continues to be one of the safest places to live in England and Wales as Wiltshire Police are ranked in 4th lowest position nationally for all crime. In addition, Wiltshire is the 5th lowest for robbery and the 4th lowest in domestic burglary.

There has also been a significant reduction in vehicle crime (18 per cent) with 604 fewer incidents. This is again better than the national average which saw only a 6 per cent reduction.

The statistics cover the period October 2013 to September 2014 in comparison to the same period the year before.

The ONS figures show that there is a 16 per cent increase nationally in violent offences, which is also reflected in an 18 per cent increase locally (1142 additional offences).

Both locally and nationally, the number of reported sexual offences are soaring. Across England and Wales there was an increase of 22 per cent, and in Wiltshire the figure rose by 20 per cent (149 additional offences).

Wiltshire continues to be in line with the national picture in relation to sex offences as a result of improvements in recording practices.

Chief Constable Pat Geenty said the rise in sexual offences is likely the result of better recording practices being put in place.

“It is good to see that, in the main, crime is still reducing in Wiltshire,” he said. “It is reassuring to see that the work we are doing has had tangible success and we shall continue to work closely with our partners as a victim-focused police service.

“A recent report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary graded Wiltshire Police as good and effective at reducing crime and preventing offending which is where we want to continue to be.

“We are in line with the national picture around violence and have a good understanding of how improved recording practices have impacted on the amount of recorded sex offences. Rest assured we will not become complacent in these areas.”

Angus Macpherson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, said: “Reducing crime and anti-social behaviour is one of the key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan.

“These latest figures add weight to the recent finding by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary that Wiltshire Police do a good job in investigating crime.

“The force has taken action to improve the quality of crime recording by officers and to encourage the reporting of crime by victims of sexual offences.

“I have provided funding for more independent domestic violence advisors and this is helping victims to have the confidence to come forward and speak to officers.

“I am pleased that Wiltshire has maintained its position as one of the safest force areas in the country.”