POLICE have revealed recorded crime is down by 13 per cent in West Yorkshire in the 12 months to March 2021, meaning there was more than 38,000 fewer victims compared to the previous year.

Burglaries (business and community) showed the biggest decrease with them down by 44.4 per cent (2,653 fewer offences). That was followed by vehicle offences – down by 39.6 per cent (a reduction of 8,562 offences).

Theft offences (36.2 per cent, 32,564 less crimes recorded), robbery offences (31.6 per cent, over 1,000 fewer offences) and burglaries (residential) (32.4 per cent, more than 5,000 fewer offences) also went down by more than 30 per cent too.

Violence with injury decreased by 15.2 per cent (4,135 fewer offences), Violence without injury was down by 12.3 per cent (5,368 fewer victims) and sexual offences fell by 10.6 per cent (883 fewer offences).

This trend builds on the last published 12-month figures, to December 2020, which showed an 11 per cent drop.

Figures released today by the Office for National Statistics show that overall crime in the county went down by 13.3 per cent in the 12 months ending March 2021, compared to the previous year.  That is higher than the national average (England and Wales) of a 13.1 per cent decrease.

West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable John Robins QPM said: “We are pleased to see the continuation in the downward trend of reported crime. Crime was reducing across West Yorkshire even before the impact of Covid, which has had a further impact on some crime types

“The crime reductions we are seeing are the result of the sustained and focused efforts of our officers and staff, working with partners and communities, every hour of every day.

“I would like to pay tribute to the officers and staff of West Yorkshire Police, who have not only reduced crime, but have simultaneously dealt with policing a pandemic and in many cases, had to manage the effects of Covid on themselves and their families.

“We have worked tirelessly to ensure crime is recorded accurately and appropriately, so I am confident in the integrity of these figures. We received a grading of “Outstanding” from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Service (HMICFRS) in respect of Crime Data Integrity. We are only one of four Forces who achieved this high standard.

“Once again I am pleased to see that crime reductions in West Yorkshire are beyond those recorded nationally, though that national reduction is itself good news for everyone.

“I am determined that, as life returns to normal for the country, we will redouble our efforts to maintain this trend, engaging with our communities and making West Yorkshire an even safer place to live, work and visit.”