NEW crime statistics reveal falls in burglary and robbery rates across the West Midlands but a rise in domestic abuse reports.

The figures, released by West Midlands Police, come as a growing number of abuse survivors find the confidence to disclose offences to the police.

Numbers show a 10 per cent fall in burglary compared to the previous 12 months, with 1,276 fewer people suffering the distress of a break-in, while 474 fewer robberies were reported over the same period – down almost nine per cent.

The police recorded more than 17,000 domestic abuse crimes between April 2014 and March 2015, up from a low of around 12,000 in 2011-12.

There was a 20 per cent increase in serious sexual offences last year, including rape, compared to 2013-14, which police say is down to greater numbers of victims speaking out to them.

Deputy Chief Constable Dave Thompson said: “It’s reassuring to see increased reporting of domestic abuse and sexual offences. It shows victims have greater confidence they will be listened to by our officers, taken seriously, and their report will be investigated fully.

“We’ve doubled the number of officers in our Public Protection Unit − specialist officers who are on hand 24-7 to safeguard and support victims − and run some high-profile campaigns urging survivors to speak out.

“I’m delighted the message is hitting home and fewer people are suffering in silence.”

When compared with similar sized police regions including Merseyside, Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, West Midlands has the lowest crime rate per head of population.

The statistics also show a drop in knife crime in the region, with around 1,500 knife crime incidents in 2014-15, down on the last 12 months and also representing a three-fold reduction since the peak in 2006-07.