Local MP and Minister for Crime Reduction, Norman Baker has welcomed news that there have been over 5,800 fewer crimes across Sussex. The independent Office of National Statistics (ONS) report shows the area covered by Sussex Police has seen a reduction of 6.23% in the local crime rate since September last year.

Figures show crime overall is down by seven per cent across the country compared with the same time last year and has hit the lowest level since the records began in 1981.

Crime reduction is Norman’s main role in his new position in the Home Office where he builds upon a strong legacy which has seen the crime rate be lower under the Coalition Government than during every single year Labour was in power.

Norman says: 

“Police reform is working and crime is falling. Recorded crime has dropped yet again, by more than ten per cent under the coalition government and the crime survey says that crime has more than halved since its peak in 1995.

 “This is really positive news. Forces are rising to the challenge of making savings whilst cutting crime and delivering a better service to the public.

 “England and Wales are safer than they have been for decades but we will continue to deliver measures which keep pace with the changing nature of crime and improve our ability to combat emerging issues. That is why we have recently launched the National Crime Agency to tackle the growing threat of serious and organised criminality. The agency also incorporates the new National Cyber Crime Unit to relentlessly pursue cyber criminals.”