BURGLARY detection rates in Cheshire have doubled in the past 10 months according to the latest police figures.

The detection rate of household burglaries in the county has increased from 10 per cent to 20 per cent from April 2013 to February 2014 and the detection for February alone was as high as 86 per cent.

The large increase has come after John Dwyer, Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, whose role is to scrutinise the performance of the Constabulary, highlighted the issue last summer, saying the way burglaries were investigated was ‘not good enough’.

John Dwyer said: “Last year I challenged Cheshire Constabulary to increase its detection rates for burglary.

“Between the period of November 2012 to March 2013 the rate stood at 10 per cent, which I felt was inadequate.

“Cheshire Constabulary rose to the challenge and the detection rate has now doubled which is due to some excellent police work.”

Part of that police work was the arrest of a team of burglars who had been active across the county.

The improvement has also come about after changes in the work practice put in place due to advice from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary.

John Dwyer added: “I called Her Majesty’s Inspectorate for advice as to what should be happening and I’m delighted with Cheshire Constabulary’s response to the challenge.

“I’m not complacent and there is still work to be done, but all signs show that things are moving in the right direction.”

The commissioner replaced the Police Authority in 2012 as part of a Government move aimed at reducing bureaucracy and costs.

The commissioner will stay in office until at least the next election in 2016.