There has been a significant drop in the number of rapes and serious sexual offences committed in Barnsley.
Annual figures show there were 13 fewer offences reported in the last year than in the previous 12 months.
That represents a 20 per cent year-on-year drop.Figures reveal that crime fell by 5.3 per cent, with big drops in robbery, violent crimes and robbery. The only increase was in house burglaries which peaked by seven per cent - an extra 68 houses.
Det Ch Insp Sean Middleton said the reduction in serious sexual assaults was particularly pleasing because it reflected the hard work put in. He said high profile convictions like that of the Elsecar rapist David Thompson acted as a deterrent.
He said: "We have had some good successes. The Elsecar rapist was a true 'stranger rapist' and he was convicted which was very positive.
"Looking at the crime figures, they say Barnsley is a safe place to live and there are lots of honest law abiding people here."
In Barnsley there has also been a drop in violent crimes, with 400 fewer offences, down 14.9 per cent. And the number of vehicles stolen had also dropped by 15.9 per cent.
While the house burglary rate had increased, DCI Middleton said officers were being used to target the problem and bring levels back down.
More police and crime stories in this week's apper.
