Today’s statistics show crime is increasing nationally and regionally. Whilst the West Midlands Police Force area has seen total recorded crime rise by 14%, elsewhere in the region; Warwickshire’s total recorded crime jumped by 23% in the last year, Staffordshire by 13% and West Mercia by 13%.
Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, David Jamieson, said:
“The rise in crime in the West Midlands and across the country is disappointing and a big concern. These figures highlight the short-sighted approach of the government by continuing to apply real-terms cuts to police forces’ funding at a time when the pressures on policing are increasing. Just to standstill West Midlands Police requires an extra £22 million a year.
“As the funding West Midlands Police receives from the government is going down in real-terms, I have been left with no other option than to consider increasing the council tax precept for policing by £12 a year for a Band D property. Money raised from council tax will go directly on protecting officer numbers, and investing in neighbourhood policing to reduce crime.
“Officers at the force work around the clock to prevent and catch those who decide to commit crimes and they are facing ever greater demands from an increasing threat of terror, levels of cyber-crime and a rise in the number of reported sex offences.
“The West Midlands Police has lost £145 million from central government since 2010. Despite being a highly efficient force, we have still lost 2,000 officers since 2010, meaning we are having to do more with fewer resources.
“Despite the challenges faced, we are determined to get on with the job of keeping the people of the West Midlands safe.”
Recorded crime percentage increase year ending September 2016 compared to September 2017
|
England & Wales |
West Midlands |
West Mercia |
Warwickshire |
Staffordshire |
|
15% |
14% |
13% |
23% |
13% |
