Police welcome fall in crime on coast

Lancashire Police has cautiously welcomed the figures, released yesterday, which show a three per cent drop across the county.

The total number of offences recorded on the Fylde coast fell from 24,644 to 23,156 last year.

But police warned these figures only account for one fifth of their workload – and warned demand is still increasing.

Assistant chief constable Mark Bates said he hoped the figures would reassure the public, adding: “It’s important to note these figures only cover more traditional types of crime as the nature of our demand is changing.”

There were increases in some crime categories, including domestic burglary and violent crime.

Across the North West, offences were up 4.3 per cent.

n See tomorrow’s
Gazette for a full break-down of the figures for the Fylde coast.