POLICE chiefs in Humberside and Lincolnshire have today welcomed a drop in crime figures.
Both Forces had reductions in crime of more than 10 per cent in statistics released at noon.
In Humberside the overall crime rate dropped by 11.2 per cent, ranking the Force 38th out of 42 Forces in England.
A spokesman for Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Grove said: "Crime is being driven down in Humberside."
He added: "We have always been a high crime area and that has not altered our position in the rankings, as other Forces have had similar reductions.
"It is a position we would rather not be in.
"We have had a clean bill of health in relation to the value for money as we face up to the savings challenge."
Figures showed the South Bank division, which includes North East Lincolnshire, had around 2,500 fewer crimes over the past year compared to the previous year.
There were nearly 100 fewer domestic burglaries, although there were 95 more incidents of violence with injury in the past year.
In Lincolnshire, Police and Crime Commissioner, Alan Hardwick welcomed a similar drop in overall crime.
He and Lincolnshire Chief Constable Neil Rhodes hailed the success of the Force's partnership with G4S in securing savings.
Both called for a fairer formula for funding from Central Government for rural Forces.
The downward trend in recorded crime continued with burglary down 24.7 per cent and violence against the person down 20.6 per cent on the same period last year.
Robbery and vehicle crime are also both down. Recorded incidents of anti-social behaviour have reduced by 22 per cent which equates to 1,612 fewer incidents in the period April 2013 – June 2013 compared to the same period last year.
Full story and reaction in tomorrow's Grimsby Telegraph, including a full interview with Mr Grove, who is visiting Grimsby today.
