Burglary and car crime continue to fall in Kent according to the latest crime statistics released today for the period October to December 2004.

Burglary statistics (targeted at dwellings) show that offences in Kent have fallen 18.9 per cent (or by 380 offences). Operation Castle, the on-going initiative that targets known burglars and offers advice to residents on protecting their homes, has played an important part in this fall.

The British Crime Survey shows that fewer people are worried about becoming a victim of crime.

Thefts of and from vehicles in Kent fell by 11 percent, or 532 offences, again reflecting targeted work by officers working in local communities across the county.

Kent’s biggest challenge is in tackling crimes involving violence. These show a 19.1 per cent increase (1,065 offences). This is due, in part, to the introduction of the National Crime Recording Standard and the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which have both changed the way crimes are recorded.

There has been an increase in the number of reports of domestic violence (up 4.8 percent, or 199 incidents), which the force believes reflects the work by specialist officers dealing with vulnerable groups to encourage reporting of this kind of crime.

Changes introduced in the Sexual Offences Act 2003 reflect an increase (44 percent, or 136 offences) in this type of crime, as this category now includes indecent exposure, sexual grooming and a broader definition of rape. Again, the specialist support offered to victims allows people to report crimes where once they might have been reluctant to do so.

Firearms offences in Kent are rare; there were 96 offences dealt with between January and December last year, however this is an increase of 37.1 percent, or 26 offences, when compared to the previous year.

Drug offences in Kent over the period October to December 2004 fell by 12.8 per cent in contrast with the nationwide figures, which show an increase of 3 per cent.

Drug offences, often linked to burglary and other theft, have been targeted by campaigns across the county that have made it harder for dealers to operate.

Assistant Chief Constable (Area Operations) David Ainsworth said: “The figures released today highlight the effective work of campaigns run in Kent.

“However where particular problems do exist, we continue to tackle them, working with the local community to find a solution.

“We are also pleased that victims of often hidden crimes, such as domestic violence and hate crime – now feel more able to come forward. The more people report to us, the more we are able to act to stop behaviour that is totally unacceptable.”