APCC response to latest crime statistics
Responding to today’s Office of National Statistics statistical crime bulletin for year ending March 2019, APCC Performance lead, Matthew Scott PCC said:
“When interpreting the crime figures, we know that, as a result of increased scrutiny, police forces are improving the way they record crime and provide the appropriate support for victims.
“Whilst the figures from today’s crime survey show overall levels of crime remain steady, there is an increase in recorded crime with concerning increases in some violent crime types. Police and Crime Commissioners are working with Chief Constables and policing partners to reduce crime of all types in our communities. For instance, funding for Violence Reduction Units, and other preventative initiatives, is being invested in early intervention and prevention work to tackle violent crime.
“Police and Crime Commissioners are using their powers locally to invest in more police officers and we are seeing an increase in the police workforce, with more officers on the way.
“Reducing crime and tackling violence is a long-term challenge requiring sustained investment and funding and we will continue our work ahead of the next settlement to ensure we get the right deal for policing.”