North Yorkshire is the safest place in England, according to latest crime figures.
The Office of National Statistics’ Crime in England and Wales report for the 12 months ending in September 2013 shows a five per cent drop in crime across the county, with a total of 34,363 incidents.
This amounts to 1,593 fewer victims of crime and a crime rate per 1,000 population of 43 – the lowest in England and second lowest in England and Wales.
Robbery has been reduced by six per cent, burglary by five per cent, vehicle crime by 16 per cent, theft from a person by 10 per cent, cycle thefts and violence with injury both by four per cent, criminal damage, arson and drug offences each by nine per cent and possession of offensive weapons by 24 per cent.
Reports of sexual offences have increased by 20 per cent, with a total of 135 crimes, but police say this is a good indication that victims have growing confidence to come forward. Shoplifting also saw an increase of three per cent.
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