31 January 2008 - 1064

HERTS FIREARMS OFFENCES AND MURDERS BELOW NATIONAL LEVELS

National statistics released by the Home Office today (Thursday 31st) show that levels of firearms offences and homicides in Hertfordshire are below national averages. In 2006/07 the homicide rate for Hertfordshire was 9.4 per million population compared to 13.6 per million nationally.

For the same period the rate of firearms offences in Hertfordshire was 8 offences per 100,000 population compared to 18 per 100,000 nationally. Moreover, firearms offences in Hertfordshire had reduced by 36% in two years from139 in 2004/5 to 89 in 2006/7.

Chief Constable Frank Whiteley said: “These figures should reassure people that serious crime is rare in Hertfordshire. However, this does not mean we underestimate the shocking impact such crimes can have on our communities. We work hard to prevent such crimes from occurring and, if they do, we have a good record at catching and convicting the offenders.”

Chair of Hertfordshire Police Authority, Ian Laidlaw-Dickson said: “The fear of crime in Hertfordshire far exceeds the real risk of crime and these figures should go a long way to increasing people’s feelings of safety. Despite the low levels, serious violent crime will remain one of the Constabulary’s top priorities in the coming year, alongside a strong focus on protecting the more vulnerable people in the county.”

Herts Beat 2007
Central Area

Herts Beat 2007
Western Area