HOME Office figures, released this week, reveal crime in South Wales at a record low and is at its lowest level for over 30 years.

Recorded crime fell 1.5 per cent – the equivalent of 1,290 victims compared to the previous year; a figure down from 85,180 to 83,890.

Burglary offences fell 13.6 per cent – down by 607, with a 12.9 per cent drop in robbery, down by 59.

However, sexual offences increased from 934 to 1,286 - an increase of 37.7%.

Police and crime commissioner for South Wales, Alun Michael said: “Recorded crime in South Wales has continued to fall for the last six years. That is despite the savage funding cuts imposed by the Government. It is down to the tremendous work of chief constable Peter Vaughan, and all of the officers and staff of South Wales Police and the excellence of the co-operation with our local partners, particularly the seven local councils. The work of Youth Offending Teams and local Community Safety Partnerships continues to make a massive contribution despite the challenges of austerity and cuts.”

Mr Michael said he was pleased to see the increase in the reporting of sexual offences as it showed there was added trust in the way South Wales Police deal with sexual offences, and the help that can be given to victims.

He said: “Tackling violence against women and girls is a key priority not only for me, but for the Welsh Government. The increase in reporting these sexual offences is a positive step towards conviction of offenders and deterrence, and hopefully more victims will feel confident to come forward.”

He said his other priorities included working with partners, the criminal justice system and the police.