Violent crime and public order offences up in North Yorkshire

Official figures show North Yorkshire has the second lowest crime rate despite an increase in crime overall.

Annual crime statistics covering the period from April 2019 to March 2020 published today by the Office of National Statistics, show recorded crime has increased by 4 percent in North Yorkshire compared to the same period last year.

The force has seen decreases in reported acquisitive crime, such as theft and burglary, but increases in violent crime and public order offences.

A rise of 15 percent in stalking and harassment recorded crime is seen as positive police say this is under-reported and indicates that more victims have the confidence to come forward.

View the figures online https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/datasets/policeforceareadatatables

Commenting on the statistics, Deputy Chief Constable Phil Cain, said:

“While it is positive news that we have one of the lowest crime rates per head of population, it’s important not to lose sight of the victims behind every crime and how their lives have been affected.

To that end, we remain focused on improving early intervention and prevention of crime, reducing harm and protecting the most vulnerable in our communities.

Organised crime such as county lines drug dealing brings with it an increased level of violence and it remains a major operational priority for the force with resources specifically focused on disrupting the criminal element, and safeguarding those who are exploited.

People are at the heart of everything we do and I am proud that we have a committed workforce who regularly go the extra mile to provide the best possible service they can to the people of North Yorkshire.

The reasons behind crime trends are varied and complex and we cannot work in isolation.

That’s why it is important that we have good working relationships with our partner agencies to take a broad approach to reducing crime and protecting victims.

My thanks go to them for their continued commitment and support.

DCC Cain added:

“The figures do not take into account the majority of the Coronavirus lockdown period and we know that crime demand changed dramatically during that period, so we expect the next set of statistics to look very different.

On that note, I’d like to take this opportunity to once again thank the residents of North Yorkshire for their incredible support and adherence to the lockdown rules.

Let’s continue this good work and support to keep North Yorkshire and York as safe as we can, continue to reduce the spread of the virus and prevent any local outbreaks.”

Julia Mulligan, Police Fire and Crime Commissioner said she was concerned about the rise in violence.

“In recent months, in very challenging circumstances, North Yorkshire Police have truly stepped up to the mark.

Notwithstanding that these figures pre-date lockdown, I’d like to take say a heartfelt thank you to all the officers, staff and volunteers who have worked so hard to keep us safe.

Whilst these figures are largely positive, I am concerned about the increase in violence in our area.

Unlike urban areas, where increases in violence are mostly slowing, ours is not.

Indeed, 19 police forces benefited from additional government funding to tackle increases in violence – North Yorkshire did not.

This is disappointing, as we are one of the areas most impacted by violent county lines drug gangs.

I am therefore today calling on the government to recognise this fact and to work with us to tackle violence in our communities.

We have had some outstanding results tackling drugs in recent months which, as calls on the police increase again, we are determined to continue.”

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