CHESHIRE Constabulary has improved its crime recording processes from ‘inadequate’ to ‘outstanding’ over the course of 18 months, a new inspection has found.

A report from Her Majesty Inspectorate of Constabularies and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) said the police force had ‘substantially improved its crime recording accuracy’.

HMICFRS inspectors found that Cheshire Constabulary is now recording 96.4 per cent of all crimes reported to it, 13 per cent more than the 83 per cent of crimes it was recording during its 2017 inspection.

They estimate that, in comparison with the findings from the 2017 inspection, this improved recording accuracy meant the constabulary recorded an additional 11,500 crimes for the year covered by the re-inspection period.

As a result, substantially more victims will have their reported crimes recorded, meaning they can be helped by Cheshire’s dedicated victims support service, Cheshire CARES.

It also means the constabulary has improved its understanding of demand and the extent to which crime is affecting its communities, allowing it to realign its priorities to ensure it is providing the best possible service to keep Cheshire residents safe.

Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner, David Keane, said: “This is fantastic news.

“To go from the lowest level of assessment to the highest level in just one year is testament to the hard work of officers and staff to ensure the appropriate processes are put in place so all crimes are recorded in the correct way.”

He added: “While these improved crime recording processes and changes to the culture of crime recording have led to an increase in recorded crime across Cheshire, we can now be confident that crimes committed are recorded in the right way, which can only provide more support for victims and give them a greater chance of seeking justice.”