Crime in Kirklees has fallen by more than 7% in the last 12 months resulting in 1,799 fewer recorded crimes.
But over in Calderdale a different picture has emerged as crime is up 8% on previous years.
Figures just released from the Office of National Statistics shows that in 12 months up to March 2014 there were 24,245 crimes recorded in Kirklees compared to 26,044 the previous year – a drop of 7%.
The figures come despite Government cuts which means 30% of the force’s budget will be reduced by 2016/17, representing a cut of £152m.
All crime in Kirklees has fallen or stayed the same in the last 12 months except sexual offences.
The number of sexual offences recorded in Kirklees was 484 in the last 12 months, compared to 418 in 2012/13.
But there were significant reductions in burglary with a drop of 446 offences and robbery with 113 fewer offences.
In Calderdale, crime has risen with 382 more crimes recorded overall than in the previous 12 months, marking an increase of 3%.
The increases in Calderdale crime were most significant in violent crime and burglary which were both up by 8% on the previous year.
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable John Robins from West Yorkshire Police said: “It is really positive news that overall crime has fallen in West Yorkshire, showing that we are meeting the priorities set in the Police and Crime Plan for West Yorkshire.
“It is reassuring for residents to see that household burglary has dropped significantly over the last 12 months. This has been a specific priority for us and our officers and staff have worked incredibly hard to achieve this for our communities.”
He added: “It is also pleasing to see that fewer people are becoming victims of crimes such as robbery, theft, criminal damage and anti-social behaviour which all have a significant effect on communities.
“These are challenging times in terms of national funding reductions, transforming our organisation to be fit for the future and implementing changes to our crime recording procedures. On top of all this, our officers and staff are policing in an increasingly complex environment.
“But due to partnership working and the determination of police officers and staff in West Yorkshire, these crime statistics show we are not only combating serious and organised crime, but through locally based and visible Neighbourhood Policing Teams we have reduced the crime that most harms communities.
“I know that police officers and staff across West Yorkshire will continue to work hard to make communities safer and feeling safer.”
West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson said: “The rate of sexual offences continues to be a serious concern, but that rise has slowed down, and is below the national average rise and greater awareness and reporting could be a contributing factor for this.
“I have been working with the Chief Officer team throughout the year on tackling those areas such as shoplifting and violence against the person where there continues to be a rise because we need to ensure that the issues behind these rises are understood and that the police and partners are working together to reduce crime.”
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