A victims advocate is attributing a switch up of crime figures to changes in policing and sentencing.  

Data from the latest Crime and Victims Survey shows there were 49 thousand fewer victims of violent crime in the year to last October, compared to the two previous years. 

The Government says there's no doubt the gang patch ban has played a part.  

Chief Victims Advisor Ruth Money told Ryan Bridge many victims think it is because of a bolstered police presence.  

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