Robberies and sex attacks up as crime soars in region ‘Major concern’ as figures show huge jump in offences

CRIME has rocketed by 11 per cent across Birmingham and the West Midlands – with robberies alone up by a huge 20 per cent.

New official figures for the 12 months to March also show vehicle crime rose by 23 per cent, while possession of offensive weapons was up by 24 per cent.

There has also been a seven per cent increase in knife offences and an eight per cent increase in sexual offences.

Neighbouring forces such as Warwickshire have seen a 19 per cent rise in total recorded crime, while Staffordshire has seen its crime rate increase by 14 per cent. The only offences to show any reduction in the West Midlands are for theft from the person – down four per cent – and drug offences, where there has been a 17 per cent fall.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson described the latest figures as “a major concern”.

He said: “These figures are further evidence that the government needs to change course on police funding. Officers at the force work around the clock to prevent crime and catch those who decide to commit crimes.

“They are facing ever-greater demands from an increasing threat of terror, levels of cyber-crime and a rise in the number of reported sex offences.

“The West Midlands Police has lost