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Minister praises Constabulary after significant fall in recorded crime

Friday, 24 May 2013

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK has praised the effectiveness of the Isle of Man Constabulary following evidence of another significant decrease in the level of recorded crime.

Already at a 30-year low, recorded crime in the Isle of Man fell by a further 15.8% during 2012-13, with substantial reductions across all the neighbourhood policing areas. A total of 2,615 crimes were recorded, 412 fewer than for the same period last year, according to the Constabulary’s end of year crime performance statistics.

The overall detection rate for the 12 months (1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013) stood at 47.1% which remains much higher than the figures registered by police forces in England and Wales over recent years. Against a backdrop of positive news across the board, the Isle of Man Constabulary has achieved notable success in terms of combating burglary (down by 14% compared with the previous year), public order offences (down by 17.5%), theft (down by 21.4%), assaults (down by 14.3%) and criminal damage (down by 9.8%).

This downwards trend in crime levels is reflected throughout the Island, with all four Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPT) recording reductions of more than 10%. The busy Central NPT, which is responsible for Douglas, Onchan and Braddan, posted a decrease of 16.3%, with the Western team down 19%, the Southern down 11.9% and the Northern down 10.2%. In addition, confidence in the Manx police force remains high, with the results of an independently verified survey highlighting a public satisfaction rating of 92%.

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 Isle of Man is already widely acknowledged as one of the safest places to live in the British Isles and a further decrease of 15.8% represents fewer crimes, fewer victims and safer communities. As well as helping residents to feel secure in their local neighbourhoods, maintaining a low level of crime supports Government’s national priority of growing the economy. A safe environment and good quality of life are important factors in terms of attracting new businesses, key workers and visitors to the Island.’

The statistics demonstrate the Isle of Man Constabulary’s continued investment in crime reduction, with resources concentrated on prolific offenders, vulnerable victims and ‘hot spot’ locations. There is a strong focus on neighbourhood policing and community engagement, with work taking place to address local issues at a local level. The Constabulary also strives to protect the Isle of Man from the threat of serious and organised crime originating in the UK and internationally.

Minister Watterson said:

‘The crime figures show the Constabulary is continuing to rise to the challenge of delivering a quality service against a backdrop of budgetary restraint. The Isle of Man can be proud of its police force and the efforts of the Chief Constable and his team of officers, support staff, members of the Special Constabulary and community volunteers.’

The overall crime performance figures are contained in the Chief Constable’s Annual Report which will be considered at the July sitting of Tynwald.

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