The number of crimes recorded in the Isle of Man has fallen below 2,000 for the first time in more than 45 years.

End-of-year statistics released by the Isle of Man Constabulary show the overall level of crime decreased by 14% during 2015-16, compared with the previous year.

A total of 1,968 crimes were recorded for the 12 months from 1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016, representing a 10% drop against the average for the past three years and a substantial decrease since the year 2000 when more than 6,000 crimes were reported.

To put the latest figures into further context, when former Chief Constable Robin Oake announced an 11% reduction in crime in 1994 there were almost as many offences of theft (1,700) as there were total crimes (1,968) in 2015-16 and seven times as many burglaries – more than 700 in 1993-94, compared with 97 last year.

The 2015-16 statistics also highlight an overall detection rate of 49.6%, up by 6% from the previous year, while confidence in the Isle of Man Constabulary remains high, with the results of an independently verified survey revealing a public satisfaction rating of 89%.

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK has welcomed confirmation of further evidence to support the Isle of Man’s reputation as the safest place to live in the British Isles. He also praised the effectiveness of the Isle of Man Constabulary in continuing to combat crime against a backdrop of budget constraint and evolving demand.

He said: ‘The police are at the forefront of the Department’s efforts to keep people safe. Driving down recorded crime to a level last witnessed in 1970 is a remarkable achievement and strengthens the view that the Island is a safe place to live, work and visit.’

He added: ‘Fewer crimes mean fewer victims, which supports the Government’s national priority of protecting vulnerable people. The Constabulary, under the leadership of Chief Constable Gary Roberts, is to be commended for maintaining such high levels of public service during a time of significant change within the organisation.’

Headline achievements from the end-of-year crime performance statistics, which will be included in the Chief Constable’s annual report to be laid before Tynwald in July, show –

• There were 67 domestic burglaries in 2015-16, down 53% on the previous year and 19% on the three-year average
• Burglaries at commercial premises (30) fell by 55% (67 in 2014-15) and by 43% on the three-year average
• Criminal damage offences (473) decreased by 18% (575 in 2014-15) and 23% on the three-year average
• Public order offences dropped by 33% during 2015-16 (down to 129 from 192) and by 35% on the three-year average
• The number of thefts (495) fell by 26% (668 in 2014-15) and by 29% on the three-year average
• Drug crime showed an increase of 30%, 257 offences compared with 198 the previous year, although most were for lower level possession rather than supply
• There was an increase in the reporting of sexual offences and domestic assaults, which demonstrates a strong degree of trust in the police and a belief among victims that they will be listened to.

Chief Constable Gary Roberts said: ‘While there will be many reasons behind the downwards trend in recorded crime, a considerable part of last year’s reduction was achieved through active and effective policing. Officers are targeting the right people, building prosecution cases against prolific offenders and then seeing those who persistently offend being sent to prison. The success of the Constabulary should not be judged solely on statistics, but a low level of crime is good news for the quality of life enjoyed by our community.’

Minister Watterson added: ‘While recorded crime is falling, the demand on the Constabulary is not. The nature of modern policing is changing and becoming more complex than ever, with crime now accounting for just one fifth of overall demand. Increasingly the Constabulary’s role focuses on broader aspects of public safety, including dealing with people who are mentally ill or who are dependent on alcohol or drugs.

‘An effective police force means a safer Island and people can be reassured that they are being served by a dedicated, high-performing and caring team of professionals. There is a culture of continuous improvement in the Constabulary, so our historically low levels of crime will certainly not lead to complacency.’