Crime in the Selby district has been reduced by 6.1% for the current financial year, latest figures have revealed.

This means there have been 205 fewer victims of crime in the communities across the district since 1 April 2011.

These figures include a reduction of 86 incidents of people being assaulted (with a total of 667 compared to 753 in the same period last year), a drop of 72 thefts (totalling 977) and 18 fewer property owners being the victims of burglary with a total of 507. Incidents of criminal damage have also fallen by 66, with a total of 497.

Acting Chief Inspector Richard Abbott, Selby Safer Neighbourhood Commander, said:

“To have reduced the number of victims of crime by more than 200 is fantastic. It reflects the hard work of the whole team and our partners.

“One of the key ways in which we reduced serious crime was the formation of a Priority Crime Team in the district. The team focused on crimes such as metal theft, burglary and vehicle crime.

“By targeting the more serious criminals, disrupting their activities and bringing them to justice, we have made significant in-roads into their offending.

“This success has not made us complacent and in coming months we will continue our efforts, focusing on the travelling criminals who come into North Yorkshire with the express intent of committing offences.”

“I would also like to thank the community for the support they have given us, especially the members of the various Watch schemes running across the district, including Rural Watch and Neighbourhood Watch.”

To report a crime please contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 and select option 1.