WESTON Creek saw 39 per cent less crime in the first quarter of 2013 than in the same period last year, according to statistics that show a wholesale drop across the territory.

The January-March crime statistics reveal 14 per cent less criminal activity than last year for the whole of the ACT.

There were 482 reported offences in Weston Creek this year, compared to 790 reported offences in 2012, the largest decline in any of the seven areas used for crime data.

Tuggeranong also saw a significant decrease with reported offences down 27 per cent, from 2226 to 1614, continuing a five-year downward trend in reported crimes and offences.

Of the seven areas used for crime statistics, the inner north was the only area not to experience a decline, with its 2755 reported offences showing almost no change from the 2720 that were recorded in the first quarter of 2012.

But the inner north did experience large decreases in specific offences such as robbery, which went down by 81 per cent, and assault, which dropped by 33 per cent from last year. There were also 35 per cent less reports of burglary in the inner north, and 36 per cent less motor vehicle theft reported.

Overall offence rates in the inner north have decreased by 27 per cent over the last five years.

Cath Grassick, the Superintendent of ACT Policing Intelligence and Crime Prevention, linked the positive statistics to initiatives such as the Alcohol Crime Targeting Team and the Property Crime Reduction Strategy.

“Crime is cyclical and although we have enjoyed a positive result in the past three months it is important ACT Policing is ready to adapt and evolve in order to meet any new challenges which arise in the future,” Superintendent Grassick said.

The latest crime rates can be found at police.act.gov.au.