Reduction in crime shows police reform is working

Crime has fallen by eight per cent, according to the latest figures from the independent Office for National Statistics. People's experience of crime as recorded by the Crime Survey for England and Wales is now at its lowest level since the survey began.

There were major reductions in vandalism, burglary and vehicle theft in the year to September 2012. Crime has fallen by ten per cent since the 2010 general election.

The figures are further proof that police reform is working. By taking an axe to police red tape, Conservative reforms are saving up to 4.5 million police hours a year and getting the equivalent of an extra 2,100 officers back onto the streets. Police forces are rising to the challenge of doing more with less. Frontline policing is being protected, there are more neighbourhood police officers, public satisfaction is going up, and crime is continuing to go down.

Democratically accountable Police and Crime Commissioners are improving the relationship between the police and local people, giving the public a direct say in local policing for the first time. The newly-established College of Policing will enhance police professionalism and set the highest standards of integrity.

For more information please visit the Home Office website