Police say rise in violent offences in West Midlands linked to domestic abuse
The latest crime figures are out with violent offences increasing by 6.2%
Last updated 3rd Feb 2021
There's been a rise in violent offences in the West Midlands, with police here believing it's linked to an increase in domestic abuse during the pandemic.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 126,656 violent offences were recorded by police forces in the West Midlands in the year ending September 2020 - up from 119,247 the previous year.
Total police recorded crime in the region dropped by 4.5% to around 450-thousand offences, driven by substantial falls during April to June, particularly in theft offences, as the country spent most of the period under strict lockdown restrictions, a report published on Wednesday said.
But the results of a separate survey carried out by the ONS show the number of victims of crime in July to September 2020 returned to a similar level as in the pre-coronavirus period of January to March.
Reacting to the figures, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, David Jamieson said:
“It’s clear that lockdown has had an impact on crime and significant work remains to ensure that these reductions are sustainable.
“What we have seen is a reduction in overall recorded crime, with large reductions in thefts, burglary, vehicle crime and robberies.
"This is very positive and our police who work tirelessly to tackle these crimes continue to do so.
“I remain concerned about the overall rise in violence.
"This is largely fuelled by a significant rise in domestic abuse across the region.
"One of the greatest concerns throughout the pandemic has been victims of domestic abuse feeling more isolated and trapped with their abuser.
The latest figures saw a big drop in knife crime, with 4,766 offences recorded, nearly a 10% drop compared to last year.
However drug offences rose by 8.7% to 11,522 cases.
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