Attacks on emergency services have soared by almost a quarter since last year, figures show

Attacks on emergency services workers have soared by almost a quarter since last year, driven by coronavirus-related attacks and violent protests, figures suggest.
Attacks on emergency services have soared by almost a quarter since last yearAttacks on emergency services have soared by almost a quarter since last year
Attacks on emergency services have soared by almost a quarter since last year

Provisional data from all 43 territorial forces in England and Wales shows an 18% drop in overall crime, excluding fraud, in the four weeks to June 7, compared with the same period last year.

But assaults on emergency services workers rose by 24% amid a string of coughing or spitting attacks, where Covid-19 has been used as a threat, as well as disorder during protests triggered by the death of George Floyd in the US.

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A National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) report published on Friday said: "These offences are recorded in relatively low volumes and it is thought the 24% rise may be driven by increases in common assaults on police constables, including suspects spitting on officers while claiming to be infected with Covid-19.

"The latest rise follows an increase of 14% reported last month and will include some assaults related to disorder in the wake of public protests in early June."

The NPCC said crime rates are creeping back up towards last year's levels as coronavirus restriction of movement measures are relaxed.

Previous figures released during the lockdown showed a 28% fall for the four weeks to April 12, and a 25% decrease for the four weeks to May 10, compared with the same periods last year.

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But there has been an 8% rise in domestic abuse incidents in the latest four-week period compared with last year, and up from 4% in the month to May 10.

Not all incidents result in a crime being recorded and police chiefs believe the increase could be explained by victims being able to report abuse more easily as lockdown restrictions ease.

NPCC chairman Martin Hewitt said: "The rise in domestic abuse incidents is concerning. Our message to victims is to contact us, we will help you.

"You're not alone - confidential support is also available from many charities and specialist services.

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"Assaults on emergency workers who do crucial work for the good of us all are deplorable.

"This is an offence and those caught will be prosecuted with the support of the Crown Prosecution Service."

John Apter, national chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales, said it was "of serious concern" that assaults on emergency workers had increased while overall crime had dropped, adding: "I do not accept any excuses for this rise - any violence shown towards police officers or any emergency workers must be taken seriously by the criminal justice system and should send the message that this is completely unacceptable."

Reports of rape plummeted by 47%, there was also a 51% drop in shoplifting, 38% fall in vehicle thefts and thefts from vehicles, a 33% dip in house burglaries and 25% decrease in assaults and robbery, according to the NPCC.

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Mental health cases had dropped by 2% but were "slowly reaching 2019 levels again".

No figures were provided on drug offences but data obtained by the PA news agency through Freedom of Information laws showed these rose by 27% during lockdown.

The NPCC said it was unable to provide more detail on any of the figures or a breakdown by police force.

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