Small drop in crime across region

HUMBERSIDE Police saw a small drop in the number of crimes reported last year, despite a rise in crime nationally.

Figures published last week showed a slight fall in overall crime in 2021.

The force had a 2 per cent fall in the number of crimes reported compared with 2020, according to the figures, while crime in England and Wales rose by 6 per cent.

Reports of sex offences also fell by 3 per cent in the force area last year, despite a 22 per cent surge across the country.

Police said the fall in crime was down in part to increased on-theground patrols and visibility.

They added that they were “particularly pleased” by the 25 per cent drop in burglaries which “have a huge impact” on victims.

Other crimes which saw a drop last year included robberies, which fell by 17 per cent, and vehicle theft by 20 per cent.

In total, there were just over 88,000 crimes reported to Humberside in 2021 (excluding fraud).

The crime rate in Hull, East

Yorkshire, and North Lincolnshire is still above the national average, with 94 crimes for every 1,000 people last year.

Drugs crime in the area also fell slightly by 3 per cent last year, mirroring a national overall drop.

Darren Downs, Assistant Chief Constable for the force, said: “Through daily warrants, searches, and arrests, the teams have effectively reduced the impact that drugs are having on our communities, and we can clearly see the results of that in the figures released today.”

Gun crime also fell slightly for Humberside last year, with 51 offences that involved firearms. An earlier Home Office report found gun crime is now at its lowest in Hull since 2012.

ACC Downs said: “I’m pleased to report that Humberside’s crime has reduced again this year, at a time when the nationally there has been an increase. A large part of this achievement is undoubtedly due to our increased visibility, and our ongoing commitment to ensuring our communities feel safe and protected.”