Latest data shows marginal increase in crime across England and Wales

Recorded crime increased marginally across England and Wales up to March according to the latest data released today (17/7).

Overall, crime has increased by three per cent with offences seeing particular rises including fraud and computer misuse, violent crime and stalking and harassment.

The figures, released by the Office for National Statistics, relate to the 12 months leading up to the COVID19 lockdown, so do not take into account the crime picture for the past few months.

However, a separate report from the National Police Chiefs' Council, shows that recorded crime is currently 14 per cent down for June this year compared to June 2019.

These figures examine the national data for the four weeks to 5 July 2020 and conclude that we are understandably continuing to see lower levels of crime, due to the impact of COVID19 and the Government restrictions in place.

But the figures are beginning to trend back up towards 2019 levels, as further restrictions are lifted and the public goes about its business.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon Angus Macpherson said: "Although these crime statistics show us a national picture, rather than a local examination of crime trends, it still provides us with a useful insight.

"I have no doubt that crime numbers will soon return to a higher level and Wiltshire Police is preparing itself for that. I'm particularly concerned over the levels of cyber crime and incidents of domestic violence that may have been unreported during the lockdown period.

"One area which we know can help is crime prevention. We need to work on preventing crimes before they are committed, and this can include partnership work to address the root cause of offending, but also educating the public on the simple steps they can take to keep themselves and their property safe."

Assistant Chief Constable Deb Smith, who has responsibility for local policing and partnership work, said the crime figures for the months during lockdown were unsurprising.

She said: "It is simple common sense that we were going to see a dramatic drop in crime during the pandemic due to the fact that more people have been staying at home.

"However, it is important for the public to be aware that we were not complacent during that time, and used the opportunity to carry out proactive work tackling those crime types which cause such great harm to our communities.

"We focused on child abuse and domestic abuse, as we knew these were areas which could see greater vulnerability during lockdown, as well as coordinating successful operations to target organised crime groups and County Lines gangs."