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New figures have revealed that crime is falling in Staffordshire.

The Trent Valley policing division – which covers Lichfield and Burntwood – saw half-year figures which showed there were 1,206 fewer victims of crime between April and September, but saw a small rise in violent crime.

The results show an overall reduction in crime of 11 per cent to a new low of 9,523 offences compared to the same period last year.

Crimes such as car theft and commercial burglaries also fell, while there were nine additional cases of violent crime. The number of robberies rose by two to 99 offences.

Chief Superintendent Mick Harrison, Commander of Trent Valley Division said:

“These figures are extremely encouraging and reflect the hard work and success of police and their community partners this year and in the past.”

There were 1,084 violent crimes with injury – an increase of nine incidents over the six month period.

Serious acquisitive crime, covering burglary, robbery, theft of vehicles and from vehicles, fell by 181 offences (10.7 per cent) to 1,506. Business related crime showed a 21 per cent decrease – nearly 300 fewer business victims to a new low of 1,098 offences.

One of Staffordshire Police’s targets at present is tackling anti-social behaviour a top priority.

Incidents were down across the region with 600 fewer reports in the first half of the year.

Chief Supt Harrison added:

“More than 80 per cent of people reporting such behaviour were satisfied with the force’s overall service. That’s good, but it means we still have to work hard to increase the level of trust and confidence in what we do.”

The number of people killed or seriously injured on the division’s roads fell by nearly 16-per cent to a total of 32 incidents.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.