CRIME in the region has fallen, according to latest figures.

Recorded crimes across West Yorkshire dropped by just over 13 per cent – equating to 38,000 fewer victims – in the 12 months to March this year.

Data released by the Office for National Statistics shows the overall crime rate decreased by 13.3 per cent and there were significant reductions in several particular categories of offence.

Non-residential burglaries fell by 44.4 per cent, equivalent to 2,653 fewer offences, and residential burglaries by 32.4 per cent.

Vehicle crimes were down by 39.6 per cent, thefts by 36.2 per cent and robberies 31.6 per cent.

Offences of violence with injury dropped by 15.2 per cent – a total of 4,135 fewer cases – and violence without injury by 12.3 per cent.

And there were 883 fewer sexual offences reported, a drop of 10.6 per cent.

Nationally, the overall crime rate fell by 13.1 per cent.

Chief Constable John Robins welcomed the figures and paid tribute to officers and staff for their work during the past year.

He said: “We are pleased to see the continuation in the downward trend of reported crime.

“Crime was reducing across West Yorkshire even before the impact of Covid, which has had a further effect on some crime types.

“The crime reductions we are seeing are the result of the sustained and focused efforts of our officers and staff, working with partners and communities, every hour of every day. I would like to pay tribute to the officers and staff of West Yorkshire Police, who have not only reduced crime but have simultaneously dealt with policing a pandemic – and in many cases, had to manage the effects of Covid on themselves and their families.

“We have worked tirelessly to ensure crime is recorded accurately and appropriately, so I am confident in the integrity of these figures. We received a grading of ‘outstanding’ from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Service in respect of crime data integrity. We are one of only four forces that achieved this high standard.

“Once again, I am pleased to see that crime reductions in West Yorkshire are beyond those recorded nationally – though that national reduction is itself good news for everyone. I am determined that – as life returns to normal for the country – we will redouble our efforts to maintain this trend, engaging with our communities and making West Yorkshire an even safer place to live, work and visit.”