West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime responds to the latest crime statistics release from Office of National Statistics (ONS)

22nd July 2021

Recorded crime in West Yorkshire has dropped by 13%, in line with the rate across England and Wales.

The figures released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) provide data from April 2020 to March 2021, capturing almost all of the COVID emergency period.

Theft offences have seen the greatest fall, with reductions of 36%. Vehicle offences were also down by 40% on the previous 12-month period.

Burglary dropped significantly reducing by 36%, with robbery also down by 32% and Violence with Injury dropping by 15%.

Increases in recorded crime, relate to stalking and harassment, up by 17% and drug offences rising by 15%.

West Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe said:

“It is encouraging to see some notable reductions in the majority of crime types across the region, as I begin my time as Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime.

“We know that the pandemic has resulted in fewer crimes being committed, however, it is crucial that we maintain this course and continue in these downward trends.

“The spike in stalking and harassment, which we are currently witnessing should also not be dismissed, and really underlines the significance of the Mayor’s Pledge around keeping women and girls safe, particularly as they are often disproportionately affected.

“With this in mind, I will continue to engage with Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police to discuss the challenges ahead and how we will work together to address them.

“I am also looking forward to supporting the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit, which brings together various organisations to find long-term solutions through prevention and intervention. The ongoing reductions in serious violence offences are undoubtedly linked to this work and we must work in partnership to sustain this.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank police officers, staff and the Chief Officer team at West Yorkshire Police for their hard work in what has been a very challenging year, particularly as police tried to strike the balance between explaining, encouraging and enforcing lockdown guidance and I look forward to developing our relationship in keeping communities safe.”