Crime spike is ‘expected’ from the cost of living crisis
THE region’s Assistant Police and Crime Commissioner has warned that under the strained economy more people are likely to turn to crime.
Tom Mcneil said crime was linked to a host of social issues which need to be resolved.
“We really want to keep reminding the government that the cost of living crisis will result in a crime spike,” he said.
“We are not excusing crime and never think crime is okay, we are just trying to be realistic. Surges in energy bills, high rent, the high cost of food and travel will push people into exploitation.
“For young people this often means organised crime, car theft, and sex work – the patterns in history are very strong on this and poverty leads to desperation. I anticipate a rise in economic crimes [crimes committed for money] like car theft, which we have already seen go up. We are doing lots on it, for example calling on car manufacturers to do more to make their cars harder to steal, and the police have specific operations on it.
“However, we are not prioritising this over other serious crimes like domestic abuse. The causes of crime are very well understood: poverty, poor mental health, addictions, and housing issues.”
Housing is a pertinent issue with the recent passing of the Renters Reform Bill set to improve conditions for private renters across the country. Included is the abolition of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions which allow landlords to evict tenants without reason and with two months notice.
Other key reforms include the overhauling of tenancy agreements to allow for longer tenancies, the ending of rent review clauses – which allow landlords to increase rents without justification – and improving basic standards for health and safety in privately rented homes. But outside of the private rental sector, there are other issues.
Exempt accommodation has been criticised, especially in the Midlands where it is so prolific and tenants are brought in from other parts of the country.
The limited regulation of such HMOS has been linked to increases in antisocial behaviour and crime.
Tom Mcneil said: “We recognise it as a massive problem. There needs to be a regulatory change around who is allowed to run these accommodations.
“It’s too concentrated and the level of support is too low. Meanwhile, drug and mental health services have been cut drastically, and this has a direct impact on crime.
“The police are aware of and have taken action against organised crime groups who run exempt accommodation in the West Midlands. We want to see regulatory changes which mean organised crime can’t get anywhere near it.”
He added: “A key common feature of domestic abuse is being economically trapped and not having anywhere else to go.
“So, there are other ways crime relates to housing, like if you are unable to escape and it is the only way you can survive.”