HATE crime, domestic abuse, violence and public order offences have all risen in the West Midlands in the last year – although the overall crime rate remains stable.
New figures released by the Office for National Statistics show there were around 260,000 crimes recorded in the West Midlands Police area between April 2019 and March 2020 – an increase of about half a per cent on 2018/2019.
Domestic abuse rose by 24 per cent and hate crime by 17 per cent during the recording period.
Violence against the person and public order offences increased by 20 per cent and 21 per cent respectively.
Burglaries have fallen by 16 per cent, vehicle crime is down by 13 per cent and robbery has also reduced by six per cent.
The Covid-19 lockdown was introduced on March 23, so only accounts for a small proportion of the figures.
West Midlands Police Deputy Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine said tackling domestic abuse was always a priority.
She said: “Since the start of the year and through lockdown our Public Protection Unit ran operations targeting domestic abuse suspects. They arrested hundreds of suspects and safeguarded vulnerable people.
“We are seeing very high demand at the moment from people reporting domestic offences.
“We had predicted this as survivors may not have had the opportunity to contact us during the lockdown but now, as restrictions are lifted, they have more time and space away from their abusers to contact us.”
And DCC Jardine added the 24 per cent increase was partly due to more accurate recording of domestic abuse offences.
She said: “That’s one of the reasons why we’ve seen a 24 per cent increase, and it’s a trend reflected nationally as all forces improve their crime recording.
“In the past officers may have only crimed the most significant offence as it was all that was needed to take the matter to court. Other offences against the same victim may not have been recorded. That was wrong and we’ve now changed our practices.
“We never underestimate how difficult it can be for abuse survivors to speak out against a partner or ex-partner. While we never want to see a rise in any crime type, increases in reporting domestic abuse can indicate people have trust in us to listen, handle their situation sensitively and take action to stop the offending.”
She added the drop in burglaries, vehicle crime and robbery was down to a concerted effort to target acquisitive crime gangs and the capture and conviction of some prolific offenders.
One of those was a five-strong crime group – led by father and son crooks Nicky and Corey Rothero – who struck at dozens of homes and shops across the region.
They were caught in April 2019, and in March this year they were collectively jailed for a total of almost 100 years.
Deputy Chief Constable Vanessa Jardine, said: “We targeted burglary and robbery offenders last year, co-ordinating the efforts of response teams, neighbourhood officers and investigators to focus on people who were causing us the most harm.
“Intelligence was turned around quickly, response times were quicker and it led to the capture and disruption of some very prolific acquisitive crime gangs.”
Responding to the new figures, West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson called for a change in approach from the government on police funding.
He said: “These statistics show crime is not falling across the country and they prove that the West Midlands is sadly not immune.
“Covid-19 has had an impact on crime, with acquisitive crime falling over the lockdown period.
“However, reports of domestic abuse have risen throughout the lockdown period. I have led on a multi-agency campaign to encourage those who are suffering from domestic abuse to contact the police or other services so they can get the help they need.
“The government seems to be finally acknowledging that its cuts to policing have gone too far, but it still hasn’t pledged to increase police budgets in the long-term.”
He said the statistics were a wake-up call for the government to ensure that police forces are adequately funded.
“Since 2010, due to cuts in government funding, West Midlands Police has lost over 2,200 police officers,” he said. “Under government plans West Midlands Police are only due to get half the number of those officers back by 2023.
“I continue to have concerns about the increase in violent crime which has risen significantly in the past few years both across the country and here in the West Midlands. The government needs to invest in preventative services to tackle the root causes of crime.
“Despite the financial challenges we face, we are determined to get on with the job of keeping the people of the West Midlands safe and we are taking tough action. With more resources from the government and more officers, we could do much more.”
Conservative PCC candidate Jay Singh-Sohal said: “The Labour PCC is right to say crime is not falling – it’s a fact that on his watch it continues to rise. No amount of spin or buck-passing will excuse his inability to get crime down during his six-year tenure.
“Despite a record amount of central government funding for the West Midlands, taxpayers are yet to see safer streets, crime reduction or indeed better value for your money. We need a new and better approach to empowering our police to do what they exist for – fighting and reducing crime.”
