PFCC David Allen, welcomed the news that Cumbria Constabulary has the highest positive outcome rate nationally for victims of crime.

Between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, the positive outcome rate for victims of crime in Cumbria was 19.9% - increasing from 18.3% in the same period for 22/23.

The national average for positive outcomes for victims is 11.3%. Cumbria saw a decrease in crime of 8.4% between April 23 and March 24 compared to the national 4.2% decrease.

Positive outcomes for drug offences rose to 80% compared to the 72.6% from 22/23. Burglary related positive outcomes also increased to 10.5% from 7.8% and has already jumped to 16.3% between April 2024 to September 2024.

In relation to possession of weapon offences, 23/24 saw positive outcomes increase to 44.1% from 38.3%.

Between April 2024 and September 2024, rape reports have decreased by 8.7% compared to the same time period in 2023. However, positive outcomes for rape offences have increased from 7.6% in 22/23 to 10.2% in 23/24.

Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) reports and outcomes were highlighted during the Conference. VAWG offences decreased between 23-24 by 63 reports (-1.2%). Sexual Offences reports rose from 558 to 668.

However, this follows the introduction of the Online Safety Act that introduced offences relating to sharing intimate photos without consent.

The current outcome rate for sexual offences is 11.5%. The overall positive outcome rate for VAWG offences in 23/24 was 13.8%.

 David Allen said: “I’m incredibly pleased to see that Cumbria Constabulary have the highest national positive outcomes for victims.

“Those who have been victimised want to see the perpetrators responsible being caught and face the appropriate consequences.

“I hope that residents in Cumbria feel reassured that if they do become the victim of a crime, they are more likely to see results."

Deputy chief constable Darren Martland added: “It is pleasing to see the hard work and dedication of our officers and staff reflected in both the positive outcome rates and HMICFRS gradings, released earlier this year.

“Our objective is to continually improve our police service to the public, enhancing the quality of our investigations, bringing offenders to justice while offering support and compassion to victims.”