Crime in Croydon has fallen over the past year according to figures released by the police.

The Metropolitan Police Service’s latest stats show there was a 9.5% reduction in offences in Croydon for 2013/14 compared with the previous 12 months.

There were nearly 3,000 fewer offences in the borough, with the biggest reductions seen in robbery, gun crime, burglary and motor vehicle crime.

Robbery is down 26% and gun crime down 30%.

Rape offences rose by 32.6% and domestic violence was also up by 14.9% which police say shows more people are reporting these crimes.

Croydon Borough Commander Chief Superintendent David Musker said violent crime had remained broadly the same but it is an area they will be targeting over the next 12 months.

He also said they will continue to work with partner agencies on tackling domestic violence.

Supt Musker said: “The fact that overall crime has come down is clearly good news for everyone in Croydon.

“I'm particularly pleased with the reductions that we've seen in burglary and robbery and the challenge now will be to maintain and build upon this success.

"My officers have worked extremely hard and these results are the culmination of their efforts over the past year. I'm extremely proud of the work that they do to keep people safe in Croydon on a daily basis."

He added: "Violent crime has remained steady over the past year, and it is certainly something that we will be targeting over the coming 12 months.

"Whilst domestic crime is up, we know that traditionally, it is under-reported to police. It is difficult to know the exact reasons for the increase, but I do believe that victims of domestic abuse have more confidence about reporting it to police.

“But we still have a way to go and we’re working hard with partner agencies to provide the right support to those suffering from domestic abuse in Croydon.

"Similarly, rape is another crime that is vastly under-reported. The increase here in Croydon is on a similar scale to what we've seen across London and this suggests that more victims are having the confidence to come and report these serious crimes to us, which can only be a good thing."

Chief Superintendent Musker said: "We've really shifted our collective focus onto the victims of crime.

“We now offer to visit all victims of crime and the public should feel reassured that if they are in a situation where they need an emergency response from police, then we will be there within minutes."


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