Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (Commissioner), David Allen, welcomed the news that Cumbria Constabulary have the highest positive outcome rate nationally for victims of crime. The Commissioner received an update on outcomes for victims from Police at his most recent Public Accountability Conference (PAC).
Between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024, the positive outcome rates for victims of crime in Cumbria was 19.9% - increasing from 18.3% in the same period for 22/23. The national average for positive outcome for victims is 11.3%. Cumbria saw a decrease in crime of 8.4% between April 23 and March 24 compared to the national 4.2% decrease.
Positive outcomes for drug offences rose to 80% compared to the 72.6% from 22/23. Burglary related positive outcomes also increased to 10.5% from 7.8% and has already jumped to 16.3% between April 2024 to September 2024. In relation to possession of weapon offences, 23/24 saw positive outcomes increase to 44.1% from 38.3%. Between April 2024 and September 2024, rape reports have decreased by 8.7% compared to the same time period in 2023. However, positive outcomes for rape offences have increased from 7.6% in 22/23 to 10.2% in 23/24.
Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) reports and outcomes were highlighted during the Conference. VAWG offences decreased between 23-24 by 63 reports (-1.2%). Sexual Offences reports rose from 558 to 668. However, this follows the introduction of the Online Safety Act that introduced offences relating to sharing intimate photos without consent. The current outcome rate for sexual offences is 11.5%. The overall positive outcome rate for VAWG offences in 23/24 was 13.8%.
Speaking on his PAC, Commissioner David Allen, said: “I’m incredibly pleased to see that Cumbria Constabulary have the highest national positive outcomes for victims.
“Those who have been victimised want to see the perpetrators responsible being caught and face the appropriate consequences.
“I hope that residents in Cumbria feel reassured that if they do become the victim of a crime, that they are more likely to see results.
“We are seeing the number of positive outcomes continually grow year-on-year but we are not going to be complacent. The Constabulary will continue to deal with and reduce crime where possible and ensure that positive outcomes continue to increase – especially in relation to VAWG.
“These results are due to analysing data, hard work and dedication from the Constabulary over a number of years leading to improved results – both for Police and victims. This is steady but continual improvement based on an intelligence/evidence led approach.
“I will continue to hold the Constabulary to account over ensuring that crimes are dealt with appropriately and that victims receive the necessary updates and care that the Police can provide at future PAC meetings.
“As your Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner, my role is to be the voice of residents within Cumbria, in respect of the Police and Fire services – I am your voice. If any member of the public has a concern about crime in their area, or around the Constabulary or Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, please raise it with me at commissioner@cumbria-pcc.gov.uk or call 01768 217734.”
Deputy Chief Constable Darren Martland said: “It is pleasing to see the hard work and dedication of our officers and staff reflected in both the positive outcome rates, and HMICFRS gradings, released earlier this year.
“Our objective is to continually improve our police service to the public, enhancing the quality of our investigations, bringing offenders to justice, while offering support and compassion to victims.”
If you wish to report to police you can do so online at Report a crime | Cumbria Police. You can also phone on 101. Always phone 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.