By KLTV Newsdesk
Latest statistics released today by the Office for National Statistics show that West Yorkshire has bucked the national trend – a 1.4 per cent increase – to record a reduction in crime.
Recorded crime is still falling across the county with a 2.6 per cent reduction in offences in West Yorkshire in 2019/20 – around 7,600 fewer victims.
Significant reductions were reported by West Yorkshire Police in a wide variety of offences.
These include robbery (down 14.9%), vehicle crime (down 8.6%) and violence with injury (down by 7.2%).
The positive downward trend in residential burglaries also continued in 2019/20 with police reporting a 17.1% reduction, meaning 3,250 fewer homes were burgled during the year.
In a statement posted on the West Yorkshire Police website, Chief Constable John Robins QPM, said: “I am very pleased with the reductions in crime and thank all our officers, staff and volunteers for their hard work and dedication, alongside our partners for their help and support.
“Our local communities can be reassured that these reductions are an accurate picture of crime across our county, as a result of our determined focus and efforts to ensure crime is recorded accurately and appropriately.”
Mr Robins added that West Yorkshire Police’s approach to crime data integrity has earned them an ‘Outstanding’ grading from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Service (HMICFRS).
Regarding the data, he said: “Accurate crime statistics allow us to really understand the demands we face enabling us to deploy and prioritise resources to ensure the maximum possible impact.
“This is important because of the changing nature of the challenges we face with crime continuously evolving, increasing in complexity and occurring in environments which are often hidden or unseen by the public.
“We continue to ensure that our response to crime is focused upon victims, witnesses and the most vulnerable people in our communities.
“Given this, I am particularly pleased with our recent improvements in victim satisfaction which have achieved their highest ratings since 2017.”
Mr Robins acknowledges the impact Covid-19 has on the number of crimes, but stressed that the reductions were in the main before the impact of the pandemic.
However, the figures are likely to start returning to pre-pandemic levels.
He added: “I remain really proud of the tireless work by my officers, staff and volunteers to reduce crime, to help people and to safeguard local communities during these unprecedented times and am pleased and grateful for the public’s ongoing support of West Yorkshire Police.”