West Mercia Police chief defends rise in recorded crime

New figures published by the force – which covers Shropshire – this week show the number of recorded crimes has risen 20 per cent in the last year.

There were 72,637 crimes logged in West Mercia in the 12 months up to the end of March this year, up significantly on the 60,673 reported in the 12 months before it.

The figures were released at the same time as the national Crime Survey for England and Wales, which interviewed people about their perceptions of crime.

The survey, compiled by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), painted a different picture and said crime nationally had fallen by six per cent in the past year.

Speaking today, David Shaw, chief constable for West Mercia Police, said: "I can understand why two sets of crime figures can cause confusion.

"The figures published by West Mercia Police reflect the total level of crime that is actually reported to us. That shows an increase over the last year.

"The figures released as part of the Crime Survey for England and Wales reflect people's experience of crime.

"It is widely considered to be a more reliable source of information because it also captures incidents that people have chosen not to report to us. The survey shows there has actually been a decrease of six per cent.

"As Chief Constable it's essential that we fully understand the true nature of crime and are responding as best we can to all offences.

"But we also recognise there are a number of trends which have been emerging which may explain some of the disparities between these two sets of figures.

"For instance, we are clear that a higher proportion of victims of sexual crime, domestic violence and hate crime are now coming forward.

"It may sound strange to say this because this leads to an increase in recorded crime, but I am encouraged that more people are coming forward because we can then investigate their crime and support them.

"Another example is that officers are even more acutely aware of issues of vulnerability concerning children, the elderly and people with disabilities.

"Through enhanced training, closer working with partners and an increased focus on vulnerability we are identifying and investigating more of these offences.

"Again, this can lead to an increase in recorded crime, whilst we are better serving the public.

"I believe in fully sharing as much information as we can with the public and hope that this explanation throws some light on what can be a confusing picture.

"However, what is starkly simple for me is that we do everything we can to reduce crime. But where it is reported we investigate the crime, do everything we can to solve it and hopefully deliver a positive outcome for the victim. That matters far more to me than simple statistics."

In the West Mercia figures for reported offences of violent crime was up 60 per cent, with 22,922 incidents reported last year compared to 14,544 in the 12 months before. The number of sexual offences has also risen sharply, with 2,789 logged last year compared to 1,991 logged in the 12 months before. Weapons offences are up, from 365 to 509, as are domestic burglaries, from 4,426 to 4,747.