Minister welcomes further reduction in recorded crime

HOME Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK has welcomed evidence of another significant decrease in the level of recorded crime in the Isle of Man.

Already at a 30-year low, recorded crime fell by a further 6% during 2011-12, with substantial reductions in many categories. The end of year crime performance statistics highlight an overall detection rate of 51.9%, almost double the average registered by the 44 police forces across England and Wales 27.8%*.

The Isle of Man also leads the way in comparison with neighbouring jurisdictions based on the key performance indicator of crimes per 1,000 head of population. The Island’s rate of 31.4 crimes per 1,000 people for 2011-12 compares favourably with Guernsey 32.4, Jersey 41.6, and England and Wales 76*.

Against a backdrop of positive news across the board, the Isle of Man Constabulary has achieved notable success in terms of addressing household burglaries and domestic assaults. In addition, public confidence in the Manx force remains high, with the results of an independently verified survey revealing a public satisfaction rating of 92%. The statistics are contained in the Chief Constable’s Annual Report for 2011-12 which will be laid before the June sitting of Tynwald.

Minister Watterson said: ‘The effectiveness of the Isle of Man Constabulary in continuing to drive down the overall crime rate is to be commended. The level of recorded crime has reduced by more than 40% since the introduction of neighbourhood policing which reflects the widely held belief that the Island is one of the safest places to live in the British Isles. As well as helping residents to feel secure in their local communities, maintaining a low level of crime also supports Government’s efforts to grow the economy. A safe environment and excellent quality of life are major factors in terms of attracting new businesses and key workers to the Island.’

Headline figures from the Chief Constable’s annual report show -

• 2,657 crimes were recorded during 2011-12, a reduction of 6% compared with 2010-11 and a fall of 12.8% against the three-year average
• Burglary in people’s homes fell by 19% to 54, the lowest level for a decade
• The number of domestic assaults decreased by 5.7% from last year and 21.7% against the three-year average. A detection rate of 89% continues to demonstrate that this category of crime is seen as a priority by the Constabulary
• A total of 187 drug-related crimes were recorded. This represents a 12% increase in comparison with last year, but a reduction of 16.6% against the three-year average
• Recordable public order offences fell by nearly 16%
• Offences of theft decreased by 2.2%, and compared with figures for 2006-07 a reduction of more than 30% has been achieved

The overall statistics demonstrate the Isle of Man Constabulary’s ongoing investment in crime reduction, with resources focused on prolific offenders, vulnerable victims and ‘hot spot’ locations.

Minister Watterson said:

‘The 2011-12 crime performance figures continue the positive trend of recent years and reflect the Constabulary’s efforts to strengthen community partnerships and address local issues at a local level. The Isle of Man can be proud of its police force and the efforts of the Chief Constable and his officers, support staff, members of the special constabulary, and community volunteers.’

* England and Wales based on 2010-11 figures as 2011-12 statistics not published yet.