NORTHWICH has been named as the safest large post town in north west England, according to a new study.

Those living in the CW8 and CW9 postcode districts – which include Northwich, Wincham, Hartford, Weaverham, Castle, Greenbank, Lostock Gralam, Rudheath, Leftwich, Davenham, Kingsmead and Antrobus – are less likely to be the victim of a violent or property crime than residents of other large north west post towns, according to data collected between March 2016 and March 2017 by consumer-research group ValuePenguin.

Northwich ranked first overall among large post towns – with populations greater than 50,000 residents – with a total crime score of 1,377, which was 52 per cent lower than the average across large north west post towns.

The overall crime score was composed of a violent crime component and a property crime component.

Among large post towns Northwich ranked first in property crime safety (1,529 property crimes per 100k residents).

The town came second for violent crimes (1,339 per 100k residents), narrowly missing out on the top spot to Wirral by four per cent.

Northwich’s score for violent crimes was 49 per cent better than average across large post towns in north west England.

Northwich also particularly stood out in terms of property crime, scoring 60 per cent less than the average across large north west post towns.

Within Northwich town centre, the Northwich Business Improvement District (BID) has continued to fund a dedicated Northwich PCSO.

The partnership has also seen the implementation of a ‘Rapid Text Service’, which traders can use to report suspicious activity so the information can get disseminated to other businesses in the town.

The aim is to significantly reduce criminal activity in Northwich Town Centre and prevent businesses from becoming a victim of crime.

Ch Insp Simon Meegan, from Northwich Local Policing Unit, said: “Over the last two years, we have continued to invest in local policing despite the financial challenges.

“We have strong working relationships with our partners to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, supported by a team of dedicated constable beat managers and PCSOs.

“However, despite this report confirming that Northwich is one of the safest places to live and work, there is no room for complacency as any victim of crime is one too many.”

To view the study click here.