Reduction in Manx recorded crime

Crime rates have fallen in the Isle of Man according to end of year crime performance statistics.

Burglaries and attempted break-ins fell by 27% against the three year average - with 161 burglaries and 18 attempted breaks-ins recorded in 2007-08.

It is the first time burglaries have fallen below 200 in a 12-month period.

Arrests for the past 12 months were similar to 2006-07, but have increased by a quarter compared with the average over the previous three years.

High detection

The figures, released by the Isle of Man government, revealed that the Manx police force had an overall detection rate of 56% for 2007-08, which is almost double the average achieved by police forces across England and Wales.

The statistics also showed there were fewer instances of criminal damage, vehicle crime and public order offences as well as a drop in the number of assaults after successive rises in recent years.

The annual figures represent the Isle of Man as being a safe place to live, work and visit Chief Constable Mike Langdon

There has also been a rise in the number of drug arrests in the island.

Chief Constable Mike Langdon praised the results but stressed there was no room for complacency.

"The annual figures represent the Isle of Man as being a safe place to live, work and visit," he said.

'Safe place'

"Some of these reductions reflect great credit on the Isle of Man as a whole and its increasingly focused approach towards community safety."

However, he urged islanders to remain vigilant and help prevent crime by ensuring their homes and vehicles were always left secure.

"Crime trends and statistics can fluctuate when numbers are low and that is why it is so important that we continue to focus on the more prevalent offenders, the more vulnerable victims and "hot spot" locations," he added.

"Other opportunities for improvement revolve around complacency where houses and vehicles are sometimes left insecure and much of the recorded crime, in terms of dishonesty offences, is preventable."