NORTH Wales Police has welcomed a fall in burglary, sexual offences and violence with injury crime highlighted in figures for England and Wales for the year ending June 2020.

The data, published on Wednesday, shows significant drops in recorded crime which correspond with the period of national lockdown due to nationwide Covid 19 regulations.

With restrictions on movement and the closure of shops, workplaces and public venues the opportunities for crime were also reduced.

In particular, levels of residential burglaries and sexual offences show substantial reductions, some of which have continued after the period published.

Like other parts of the country however, there has been an increase in online crime over this period as online activity in general has seen a notable rise.

Assistant Chief Constable Sacha Hatchett has reiterated that the force will continue to focus on its priority aim of making north Wales the safest place to live in the United Kingdom and that we will continue to provide a comprehensive quality service.

She said: “The Covid 19 environment has posed challenges for the way we police and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

"We appreciate that this remains a very difficult time for our communities, especially for vulnerable people. I’d like to reassure the public that we continue to work closely with our partners who are helping to support those in crisis.

“Although the figures show a pleasing reduction in crime we are acutely aware of the exceptional circumstances we all faced during the spring and summer which have had a significant bearing on these statistics.

“We would anticipate the next set of figure in January 2021 may also show a reduction.

"Despite the return of some crime types to pre-covid levels following the easing of the original lockdown, the prospect of shorter local lockdowns will have an impact on crime and demand on the force.

“However, we are never complacent. Over the summer and in recent weeks we have successfully targeted several Organised Crime Groups responsible for bringing in and distributing drugs in our area, making scores of arrests in well planned coordinated operations.

“It’s important to note that our region is one of the safest in the country and that communities remain far less likely to be the victim of household crime than the majority of areas nationally.

"We have invested significantly in specialist resources to deal with the changing nature of crime, such as modern day slavery, the threat of online fraud, cybercrime, online child sexual abuse and County Lines drug crime.”

ACC Hatchett added: “Our focus is on the Police and Crime Commissioner’s plan to tackle organised crime, domestic violence, modern slavery and human trafficking, and sexual abuse.

“We are grateful for the support of local people in reporting crime and providing information. I would also ask that in these difficult times they continue to support us by complying with the Covid regulations to help keep us all safe.”