CRIME on the Isle of Wight has reduced by 0.9 per cent since last year — but reports of arson, rape and robbery have increased.

Figures released as part of the Isle of Wight Community Safety Partnership (CSP) Strategic Assessment 2018/19, published today (Monday), have shown a reduction in 12 crime types on the Island but seven increases.

Reported vehicle offences and residential burglaries have seen the biggest decline along with criminal damage, public order offences and anti-social behaviour.

However, while the overall crime figure is down, there has been a sharp increase in reported incidents for arson (21), theft from the person (19), robbery of personal property (18) and rape (31) compared to rates from last year.

Despite the increase in some reported areas, the Island significantly beats the England and Wales average of 89.5 crimes per 1,000 people by 17, proving to be a 'safe place to live, work and visit'.

Superintendent Sarah Jackson, district commander for the Island, had previously said the Island is a safe place to live, work and visit adding: "It is about working with those in the community who know the issues — what is going on day in and day out making it a better community to live in.

"We are trying to build within the community so that everyone can feel supported by us".

Areas which retain some of the highest crime rates include criminal damage and public order offences, violence without injury (the largest) and violence with injury.

A Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) has been established, through Home Office funding, to help tackle the increase — trying to figure out why the incidents occur and how it can be stopped in the future.

It will bring partners from all sectors of Island life including the council, policing and education, along with young people and communities to identify and tackle the drivers of serious violence, building on partnerships and strategies already in place.

A spokesperson for the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner said: "Each VRU will comprise a coordinator, analyst, and programme support officer who will work alongside to deliver a ‘Problem Profile’ analysis, which will develop the understanding of drivers of serious violence acting in the local area and identify the people most affected and a ‘Response Strategy’, describing what the VRU will deliver to tackle these drivers and reduce serious violence".

Whilst a new VRU has been established, 44 per cent of crime victims on the Island , who completed the CSP survey,  felt that nothing would be done if they reported a crime — but Supt. Jackson said she would always encourage people to report crime, no matter how small.

There was a "significantly higher" rate of re-offenders on the Island, with nearly one in three adults and 50 per cent of young offenders committing further crime but there had been a fall in the numbers youth re-offenders.

Amanda Gregory, chair of the CSP, said :"These figures show a real positive for us and the Island.

"It is quite a pleasure to work with everybody, looking at the same goals and trying to achieve what we can with the resources we have available."

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