Liberal Democrats have been working in government to make our communities safer. We have freed front-line police officers from unnecessary bureaucracy and given communities more powers to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Liberal Democrat Crime Prevention Minister Norman Baker said: "Police reform is working and crime is down by more than 20 per cent under this government according to the independent Crime Survey for England and Wales.
"There are now 2.3 million fewer crimes per year than when the coalition government took office. That includes 413,000 fewer acts of violence and 160,000 fewer burglaries, with criminal damage down by 962,000 incidents. This is good news for a safer England and Wales.
"There are also positive signs that police recording of crime is improving, and that more victims of crimes such as sexual offences and fraud are coming forward - which is something we welcome.
"It is vital that police recorded crime statistics are as robust as they can be. That is why the Home Secretary asked HMIC to carry out a detailed investigation of recording practices in all 43 forces. HMIC's final report is due shortly and we expect Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners to act on its recommendations."