Burglaries in Northampton rose by 30 per cent in the last 12 months despite crime levels falling by two per cent in the town, police have revealed.
Furthermore, the number of vehicles being broken into in Northampton increased by 14 per cent, over the same period.
Across Northamptonshire, crime fell by 5.2 per cent during 2012/13, meaning there were 2,593 fewer victims of crime across the county.
The annual crime figures show that between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013, offences dropped from 49,576 to 46,983.
Violent crime, which is the force’s priority, fell by 12.6 per cent, while drugs offences showed an 8.1 per cent reduction.
However, sexual offences went up by 4.5 per cent, burglary went up by 27 per cent and vehicle crime was up by 10.8 per cent.
Chief Constable Adrian Lee, (pictured) said: “This year has been incredibly challenging for the force. We have policed some of the most high profile events this county has seen in a long time and we have done this at a time when significant cuts have been made to the force budget.
“We have been successful in reducing crime by 5.2 per cent, exceeding the 2 per cent target set by the police authority, alongside £6.8m worth of savings in the last year - testament to the hard work of our officers and staff together with our partners and communities.
“We saw an increase in the number of sexual offences, which in part will have been the result of an increase in victim confidence to come forward and report these crimes.
“Burglary and vehicle crime also showed increases, however, the longer term trend shows that since March 2009 to March 2013, serious acquisitive crime has reduced by 28.3 per cent, meaning 3,552 fewer victims.
“One of the force’s biggest successes has been a 12.6 per cent reduction in violent offences and 12.4 per cent reduction in robbery. As Operation Challenge continues, we expect to see further reductions this year.
“As a result of targeting organised crime groups and cannabis factories, we have also reduced drugs offences by 8.1 per cent.
“Whilst the reductions are encouraging, there are huge challenges ahead. This year we will be working hard to achieve the significant ambitions of the Police and Crime Commissioner to make this the safest county in the country.
“We will remain firmly focused on these areas, in particular reducing burglary and vehicle crime together with further reductions in violent crime.
“We will maximise the potential for collaboration, innovation and creativity to meet the challenges of the Police and Crime Plan set out by the Police and Crime Commissioner, on behalf of our communities in these challenging financial times.”
In Northampton, crime fell by 2.2 per cent, or 456 fewer victims of crime.
Violence – Down by 10.1 per cent
Sexual offences – Down by 4.3 per cent
Residential burglary – Up by 30.8 per cent
Robbery – Down by 6.1 per cent
Vehicle crime – Up by 14.1 per cent
Criminal damage – Down by 5.3 per cent
Drugs offences – Down by 2.4 per cent
Chief Inspector Max Williams, from the Northampton district, said: “I am pleased that we have been able to exceed the target set for reducing crime and am particularly satisfied with the significant reductions in sexual offences and violent offences in Northampton.
“Operation Challenge has been key to these reductions, together with the partnership approach we have taken to tackle crime and offenders.
“Where were some increases in burglary and vehicle crime, a significant proportion of which have been a result of insecurities and committed by a small number of offenders.
“We are working hard to reduce these offences and our focused efforts on prolific offenders are demonstrated by reductions in drugs offences.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds, said: “The successes achieved during the last year show that, amid change, the Force has kept focus on reducing crime.
“For the future, I have set some considerable challenges for the Force in the areas that matter to the public. This includes a reduction of at least 40 per cent in violent crime, eradicating drugs, reducing acquisitive crime and making Northamptonshire a secure place with a more visible police force over the next five years.
“There are challenging times ahead for the Force, including a significant budget saving of £3m in 2013/14. I look forward to working with the Chief Constable in finding new and innovative ways to reduce crime and further improve public confidence.”
The figures across Northamptonshire were;
Violence – Down by 12.6 per cent
Sexual offences – Up by 4.5 per cent
Residential burglary – Up by 27 per cent
Robbery – Down by 12.4 per cent
Vehicle crime – Up by 10.8 per cent
Criminal damage – Down by 10.7 per cent
Drugs offences – Down by 8.1 per cent