Genuine rise' in burglary is starting to fall say Cambridgeshire police

Burglary doubled in South Cambridgeshire last year and increased 82 per cent in Cambridge, the latest Office of National Statistics report shows.

However, Cambridgeshire police explained that while there was a “significant” rise in dwelling burglary in 2017, other factors were at play, accounting for the doubling of incidents.

In South Cambridgeshire, there were 804 burglaries in 2017, up from 402, while in Cambridge there were 824 last year, up from 454.

A police spokesperson said: “It is concerning to see an increase in total recorded crime. However, about half of the increase can be attributed to changes in recording practices and achieving better compliance with the national standards. “Dwelling burglary was up significantly in 2017, and we have responded strongly to this and now detect a greater proportion of offences. Pleasingly this has resulted in a reduction in the level of recorded offences in the first months of this year.”

The force said there had been a genuine increase in acquisitive crime, such as burglary and theft, but it was “strengthening its focus on the small number of offenders” committing most offences.

The constabulary also expects that the recruitment on 50 more officers, funded by a council tax rise this year, will further improve the service and performance.

“Early signs in 2018 are positive and Cambridgeshire is still a safe place to live and you are still unlikely to become a victim of crime,” said the spokesperson.