Crime has fallen in Cheshire for the fourth year in a row with an overall reduction of 14 per cent, and more offenders are being charged than anywhere else in the country.

Residents across the county are being kept safer thanks to the efforts of Cheshire Constabulary, who are cutting crime and making sure those who are intent on committing offences are held accountable.

Initial figures for the last financial year show total crime in Cheshire fell by 1.4 per cent and that the force has the highest charge rate for crime in the UK.

Reductions were seen across many categories of crime, including criminal damage (-5.5 per cent compared to the previous 12 months) and burglary (-9.4 per cent compared to the previous 12 months), which is the fifth lowest in the country.

Shoplifting and theft offences have also fallen in Cheshire by 10.2 per cent, which is in stark contrast to the national picture around shoplifting.

Chief Constable at Cheshire Police, Mark Roberts (Photo: Cheshire Police).

Chief Constable, Mark Roberts, said: "These figures reflect the hard work of our officers and staff, who are continuing to keep Cheshire residents even safer by making the county hostile to criminals.

"We continue to carry out cross border operations to deter those who travel into Cheshire to commit crime.

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"We have a real focus on neighbourhood policing and our officers work closely with their communities they serve by launching initiatives to not only catch offenders and prevent criminal behaviour but also offer advice and public reassurance to residents and businesses.

"I am proud that Cheshire has the highest charge rate in the UK, and one of the highest charge rates for burglary.

"This success comes despite crime continuing to fall in Cheshire and is a result of our officers' commitment to bringing offenders to justice.

"All of this sets a strong example to anyone who thinks they can come and commit crime in Cheshire and get away with it.

"I hope members of the public will also be reassured of the action we carry out to prevent our residents, businesses and communities from becoming victims of crime.

"Overall, these latest figures highlight Cheshire as one of the safest places to live in the country.

"Crime is falling and we are charging more people than ever before, which is testament to the hard work of everyone across the Constabulary."