Crime in the ACT is down 13 per cent from the same time last year according to the latest quarterly crime statistics for 2013, continuing a five-year downward trend.


While the quarterly statistics show there were decreases in every region and in every category of crime, the most significant reduction was in the number of robberies, which have reduced 37 per cent on the 2012 figure.


That was followed by motor vehicle theft, which was down 29 per cent.


Weston Creek was the most improved region, with a 33 per cent decrease when compared with the same quarter in 2012, followed by the ACT’s rural areas (down 20 per cent) and Tuggeranong (down 17 per cent).


The decline over the past year continues a five-year downward trend in reported crimes and offences in the ACT.


Acting Superintendent Harry Hains of ACT Police said while offence rates are down, it was important not to get complacent when it came to combatting crime.


“Just as it is important for police to continually improve our service; it’s important that the public remains security conscious and vigilant against crime,” he said.


“It’s now a good time to reassess your home security arrangements, as the warmer weather approaches and thieves become more active in Canberra’s suburbs. Tips about household security are available on the ACT Policing website.”