Large falls in vehicle crime, burglaries and criminal damage have
helped Durham Constabulary keep recorded crime at a similar level as the
previous year, despite a significant number of historical sexual and
physical assaults being logged.
32,953 offences offences were reported to Durham Constabulary from 1st April 2014 to 31st March 2015.
32,751 were recorded.
This figure comes in the face of a significant number of historical
sexual and physical assaults that are part of the ongoing Operation
Seabrook investigation being included.
Operation Seabrook, the largest of its kind in the UK, includes the investigation looking into allegations of abuse at the former Medomsley Detention Centre.
Operation Seabrook, the largest of its kind in the UK, includes the investigation looking into allegations of abuse at the former Medomsley Detention Centre.
+14% Rise in reported sexual offences.
+27% Rise in reports of violence against the person.
While the rise in sexual offences is generally regarded as a sign
more victims are prepared to come forward, report the crime and seek
help from the authorities, police say the surge in this category, and
also violent offences is largely due to changes in recording practices.
Last year a report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) into the integrity of crime recording found major variations across forces in terms of how certain offences were categorised.
Last year a report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) into the integrity of crime recording found major variations across forces in terms of how certain offences were categorised.
-3% in reported criminal damage and arson.
-8% in reported burglaries.
-31% in reported theft from a motor vehicle.
The PCC Ron Hogg has said: “I would like to congratulate Durham
Constabulary on an excellent year despite these challenging times.”
