Thursday, April 25, 2024  

Crime is down by more than three per cent across West Yorkshire.

Latest statistics published today by the Office For National Statistics show there were 9,701 fewer offences across the county in the 12 months up to the end of December 2023 when compared with the same period the previous year.

And latest data recorded by the Force shows the downward trend is continuing with large reductions recorded in every district. Reductions are recorded in key crime areas such as arson and criminal damage, violence with injury and possession of weapons.

An increase in shoplifting mirrors the national trend, however latest statistics show that the increase in shoplifting in West Yorkshire has slowed with the number of offences in the last three months being the same as during the same quarter last year.

The Force is working at both county and district level to catch, convict and deter shoplifters while liaising close with retailers to ensure effective crime prevention and security measures are in place.

Robbery has seen an increase in line with the national trend, however the latest statistics show that robberies have started to reduce, with the latest three months being lower than the same quarter last year.

Chief Constable John Robins QPM DL said: “These latest figures show crime is falling across the county and our very latest data shows this trend is continuing thanks to our officers, staff and volunteers who continue to work hard with partners to keep our communities safe.

“We continue to focus on the most vulnerable in our communities, safeguarding victims and responding to the challenge of increasing and more complex investigations related to child sexual exploitation and abuse, missing people, domestic abuse and mental health occurrences.”