Burglary
9.20 In 2006/07 recorded rates of burglary in the South West stood at 9 offences per 1,000 population. This compared to a national average of 12 offences per 1,000 population and was the joint lowest rate across all the English regions (and also joint with Wales).
9.21 In terms of numbers of recorded offences of burglary, there was a 3% reduction in the South West in 2006/07 since 2005/06, compared to a 4% reduction across England and Wales. This regional reduction was driven by two police force areas that saw reductions (Dorset, -14%, and Avon & Somerset, -6%), while other force areas saw no change (Devon & Cornwall), or increases (Gloucestershire, 2%, and Wiltshire, 7%).
9.22 The BCS estimated that 21 incidents of burglary per 1,000 households occurred in the South West, but there has been no significant change since 2005/06. All the forces in the South West had levels of worry about burglary that were significantly lower than the national average.
