Rotherham District Commander Temporary Chief Superintendent Richard Tweed welcomed the new set of crime figures released today and said that as a result of continuing hard work and dedication from officers, staff and their partners, the borough has seen significant reductions in several areas of crime including criminal damage, violent crime and fraud.

In Rotherham, the 2009/2010 financial year figures show that compared to the previous 12-month period, overall crime has reduced by 13%, the equivalent of 2987 fewer victims of crime.

Burglary is down nearly 10% and there have been over 500 fewer reported incidents of violence against a person. Criminal damage has also reduced by 23%, the equivalent of 1445 fewer victims of crime.

The number of gun related offences has dropped by over a third (35% reduction) and fraud offences have reduced by 16%.

The district has also seen car crime reduced, with over 250 fewer reported incidents and knife crime is also down by nearly 10%.

There has been a 10% increase in drug related crime across South Yorkshire, but Rotherham’s figure comes in just under the force average with a 9% rise.

Chief Constable Meredydd Hughes said: “The increase in drug-related crime reflects the Force’s sustained and proactive work to tackle these offences over the past year.

“Members of the public have made drug offences a priority for South Yorkshire Police, and numerous operations have taken place across the county targeting offenders.”

T/Chief Supt Richard Tweed said: These figures are great news for Rotherham residents but more importantly, we want to continue to ensure that everyone who lives in the borough feels that their local area is a safe place to live, work and learn."