A surge in violence that must be ended

THE near doubling of violent crime in Wales and the drop in the number of police officers will stir concern across the nation.

In the year to September 2009 there were 34,522 violent crimes. This had soared to 68,422 by the 12 months to September 2017.

During this time the number of full-time equivalent police officers has fallen by 659.

A surge in violence on this scale cannot be entirely attributed to a change in police numbers – but it will be harder to bring down levels of violence if officers are overstretched and under-resourced.

Police have a vital role to play not just in catching perpetrators of crimes but in helping build a safer society. Their visible presence in communities is valued, and if they have the time to forge links with people who are at risk of being caught in criminal activity they can help prevent lives taking disastrous turns.

It is welcome that in the past year in Wales officer numbers have increased by 1%, but it is deeply worrying that violent crime has jumped 20% during this period.

Rightly, the Home Office is under pressure. Supporters of further devolution will feel emboldened to press with a new determination for responsibility for policing and youth justice to be transferred to the Assembly.

But the increase in violence in Wales is of such gravity that discussion concerning its causes should not be entirely dominated by a political row.

The figures reveal that something is badly wrong in our communities. It may be the case that people are now more ready to report assaults; if so, this should be welcomed but it does not make the extent of the violence any less concerning.

Such aggression and thuggery has no place in a civilised society. Just as friends and family often played a vital role in changing attitudes by making it clear that drink driving is unacceptable, thugs should know violent behaviour is repugnant. Too many children have grown up in fear of violent adults; too many nights out have been ruined by an act of cruelty; too many people shudder at the thought a partner may turn violent.

We should all be dismayed if Wales is becoming a more violent nation. Financial adversity, employment insecurity and intense stress may increase the risk of violence but it can never excuse it.

Schools, youth groups, churches and above all families will have opportunities to help the next generation learn to manage anger and resolve conflict without striking out. These are skills which could save lives.

But Wales will always need a well-funded police service which will arrest those who wreck lives (including their own) and bring them to justice. It is important that crime is seen to be punished but we should also press for rehabilitation and counselling to be provided so that destructive cycles of violence can be broken.

Wales needs reason to hope that an intolerable situation will not continue.