West Yorkshire PCC statement on latest crime statistics release from Office of National Statistics (ONS)
23rd January 2020
The rate of increase in total crime in West Yorkshire has halved in the last quarter to September 2019, from 8 per cent to 4 per cent, compared to a 5 per cent increase across England and Wales.
Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) said: “I’m pleased that we are seeing the rate of increase in total recorded crime level out, especially in the context of West Yorkshire Police being recently awarded an ‘Outstanding’ grading for the way it records crime by HMICFRS Independent Inspectors.
“The report by the HMICFRS for West Yorkshire means that when the crime statistics are published for the county they are an accurate reflection, as opposed to many of our comparator forces who have been graded as inadequate or requires improvement, which is important to note when making regional and national comparisons.
“There is also a fall in recorded incidents of burglary and I would like to congratulate West Yorkshire Police for their continued efforts in helping make our communities safer in ongoing challenging circumstances. I know the Office of National Statistics (ONS) data also shows a reduction in the rate of increase around possession of weapons and robbery which is encouraging but points to the need for further cooperation between the police and partners to reduce the potential for harm.
“We have seen reported increases in drug offences and violence against the person and I will be continuing my regular meetings with the Chief Constable to explore what is being done and what further can be done to address these issues and the emerging crime patterns and trends.
“The Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) is now up and running and is using a public health model, bringing together our partners including police, local authorities, NHS, public health, voluntary sector, prisons, probation and education, to establish and embed a sustainable long-term approach to prevention, intervention and tackling violent crime and its underlying causes.
“That is in addition to the targeted ‘surge’ activity into violent crime hot-spots by West Yorkshire Police through Operation Jemlock and also the numerous projects tackling and preventing crime through my Safer Communities Fund (Proceeds of Crime monies) and Early Intervention Youth Fund projects currently underway throughout West Yorkshire.
“As I have outlined in my response to the Government Police funding settlement statement, I will do all I can working closely with the Chief Constable and our partners to ensure we are keeping our communities safe and feeling safe, making sure the impact of recruiting frontline officers is felt on our streets and in our communities where the public want them to be.”