Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime responds to latest ONS Crime Statistics for West Yorkshire

4th November 2021

The latest Office of National Statistics crime data up to June 2021 for England and Wales has today been released.

It shows that West Yorkshire’s total crime fell by 4.8% compared to the previous year, more than the national average of 3.5%.

There were significant reductions in ‘theft from the person’ offences, which is down by 41% and also Robbery, which fell by 23 percent.

Residential burglary rates fell by 28% and burglary of business and community premises were also down by 39%.

Although the number of vehicle offences saw a 31% reduction, death or serious injury by unlawful driving increased by just over 8%.

Increases were experienced in drug related offences, which rose by almost 5% and sexual offences just over 3%. Stalking and harassment rates increased by 20%.

Possession of weapons were up by almost 6% and public order offences increased by 12%.

In response to the latest statistics, West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe said:

“The continued reduction in overall crime across West Yorkshire is of course positive news, however, it remains a particular concern that sexual offences have risen during this period.

“Similarly, the increase of stalking offences is something we are closely monitoring, albeit influenced by new recording practices.

“Improving the safety of women and girls remains high on the local and national agenda, as we know they are disproportionally affected by these offences.

“Putting this issue at the heart of our policing and crime plan is a key pledge of the Mayor’s manifesto and we are working hard to make a real difference.

“This afternoon, for instance, I will be joining Mayor Brabin at a ‘Safe Nightlife Summit’ to help better protect young people from a worrying trend in spiking.

“I’m also keeping a very close eye on the growing numbers of death or serious injury caused by unlawful driving in West Yorkshire. This is contrary to the national picture, and I am acutely aware that tackling road safety is a priority for our communities.

“These are all complex issues that we need to work together to address, and I will continue to engage with the Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police and our local partners to ensure the figures we are witnessing head in the right direction.”