Crime falls in Yorkshire during lockdown despite drugs offences soaring by more than 30%

Crime in Yorkshire fell by nearly 20 per cent during lockdown – but drug offences soared by more than 30 points.

Figures released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) for the second quarter of 2020 show dramatic falls in almost every type of crime between April and June - compared with the same period last year - as the country was under coronavirus restrictions.

Thefts, burglaries and robberies all fell in the region, with the biggest drop seen in thefts from people which plummeted by 70 per cent in Yorkshire & the Humber.

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Overall, crime reports across the region's four police forces dropped by 19 per cent with the biggest falls seen by North Yorkshire and Humberside forces, who both saw a 24 per cent reduction.

West Yorkshire Police officers at a crime scene in Leeds during the lockdownWest Yorkshire Police officers at a crime scene in Leeds during the lockdown
West Yorkshire Police officers at a crime scene in Leeds during the lockdown

Despite this, all four forces recorded notable increases in drug offences as police operations were scaled up and drug dealers were more noticeable with fewer people walking the streets and home visits off bounds.

One police chief said the rise was partly down to officers taking advantage of the quieter period to carry out "more proactive work" disrupting drug dealing lines.

Also bucking the trend were stalking and harassment crimes, which rose by 15 per cent during the lockdown period and will in part be down to the rise in domestic abuse reports.

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Anti-social behaviour reports increased by 10 per cent in Yorkshire during lockdown, most notably in South Yorkshire where police saw a 23 per cent rise.

Overall crime in Yorkshire fell by 20 per cent between April and June compared with the same period the year beforeOverall crime in Yorkshire fell by 20 per cent between April and June compared with the same period the year before
Overall crime in Yorkshire fell by 20 per cent between April and June compared with the same period the year before

Victims’ Commissioner Dame Vera Baird previously warned the public were getting more angry and frustrated with noisy neighbours and other anti-social behaviour during lockdown, prompting a surge in complaints.

West Yorkshire Police's Chief Constable described the drop in overall crime figures as "heartening", paying tribute to the tireless key workers in the force which, at present, faces a huge financial deficit ahead of next year's budget.

John Robins QPM said: “West Yorkshire Police has worked really hard in recent years to ensure that crime is recorded accurately and appropriately so that we can properly understand the demands we face enabling us to deploy and prioritise our resources to ensure the maximum possible impact.

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“Never has that been more crucial when you consider the unprecedented circumstances we find ourselves in with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic continuing to impact on us all.”

A South Yorkshire Police officer wears a mask while out on public duty in Doncaster during the lockdownA South Yorkshire Police officer wears a mask while out on public duty in Doncaster during the lockdown
A South Yorkshire Police officer wears a mask while out on public duty in Doncaster during the lockdown

South Yorkshire Police's Assistant Chief Constable Tim Forber said the drop in crime figures during lockdown "was to be expected", but was pleased to see a rise in stalking and harassment reports as it meant more victims were coming forward.

"You will see in the figures that there have been significant increases in drug offences and possession of weapons, with South Yorkshire above the England and Wales average. While this may appear concerning on the surface, it is in fact a reflection of the huge amount of proactive work that has gone into cracking down on these types of serious crime."

He added: "I am also heartened to see increases in reports of crimes including sexual offences and stalking and harassment. Again, while this may appear worrying at first, we are only made aware of these particularly distressing crimes when the victims show incredible bravery by reporting them to us.

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"I am pleased an increasing number of these victims have the trust and confidence in us to report what has happened, in the knowledge they will be supported, listened to and taken very seriously."

Police upped operations to crack down on drug criminals during the lockdown, which partly contributed to the 31% increase in drugs offences recordedPolice upped operations to crack down on drug criminals during the lockdown, which partly contributed to the 31% increase in drugs offences recorded
Police upped operations to crack down on drug criminals during the lockdown, which partly contributed to the 31% increase in drugs offences recorded

Billy Gazard, from the ONS centre for crime and justice, said: “Police recording of drug offences increased sharply throughout the April to June period, reflecting proactive police activity as overall crime levels reduced.

“Anti-social behaviour incidents also increased. These include reported breaches of lockdown restrictions to the police.”

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