APCC Response to Statistical Bulletin on Crime in England and Wales
In response to the Office for National Statistics’ publication of the Statistical Bulletin on Crime in England and Wales for the year ending June 2017, the Lead of the APCC Performance Portfolio Group, Matthew Scott PCC said:
“Today’s statistics set out the challenges faced by police forces and police and crime commissioner’s. The Crime Survey shows a reduction, compared with the previous year, of 9% – not including fraud and computer misuse offences – however, the 13% increase in police recorded crime is of concern.
“The ONS are clear that the Survey remains the best guide for long-term trends, whilst police recorded crime, when recorded accurately, can give a better indication of emerging trends.
“As PCCs we need to continue to hold our Chief Constables to account, work with partners and engage with the Home Office to tackle crime at all levels in our communities.”
Deputy Lead of the APCC Performance Portfolio Group, Keith Hunter PCC said:
“Whilst there have been improvements in the way that crime is being recorded and the way that victims are being encouraged to come forward, the ONS judge there have been genuine increases in crime. It is police recorded crime that police have to deal with and today’s figures represent a significant additional pressure on police. An increase of 19% in violent crimes against the person is something that the public will be particularly worried about.
“There are undoubtedly key pressures on police time coming from rising overall crime levels, more complex crimes being committed, a growing terrorist threat and, more than ever, the police being called on as a last resort when other agencies lack their own capacity.
“We have made clear to Government that we are seeing significant increases in complex fraud cases, cybercrime, child sexual abuse and exploitation, human trafficking and modern slavery as well as coercive domestic abuse whilst trying to maintain community policing.
“We will continue to engage with the Home Office and the Treasury to ensure that the appropriate resources are put in place to meet these growing demands.”