Crime down but drug use up as Yorkshire battles virus

CRIME IN Yorkshire fell by nearly 20 per cent during lockdown – but drug offences soared by more than 30 points.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics ( ONS) for the second quarter of 2020 show dramatic falls in almost every type of crime between April and June – compared with the same period last year – as the country was under coronavirus restrictions.

Thefts, burglaries and robberies all fell in the region, with the biggest drop seen in thefts from people which fell by 70 per cent in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Overall, crime reports across the region’s four police forces dropped by 19 per cent with the biggest falls seen by North Yorkshire and Humberside forces, who both saw a 24 per cent reduction.

Despite this, all four forces recorded notable increases in drug offences as police operations were scaled up and drug dealers were more noticeable with fewer people walking the streets and homes out of bounds.

One police chief said the rise was partly down to officers taking advantage of the quieter period to carry out “more proactive work” disrupting drug dealing lines.

Also bucking the trend were stalking and harassment crimes, which rose by 15 per cent during the lockdown period and will in part be down to the rise in domestic abuse reports.

Anti- social behaviour reports increased by 10 per cent in Yorkshire during lockdown, most notably in South Yorkshire where police saw a 23 per cent rise.

Victims’ Commissioner Dame Vera Baird previously warned the public were getting more angry and frustrated with noisy neighbours and other anti- social behaviour during lockdown, prompting a surge in complaints.

West Yorkshire Chief Constable John Robins described the drop in overall crime as “heartening”, paying tribute to the tireless key workers in the force which, faces a huge financial deficit.

Mr Robins added: “We continue to ensure that our response to crime is focused upon victims.”

South Yorkshire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable Tim Forber said the drop in crime figures during lockdown “was to be expected”, but was pleased to see a rise in stalking and harassment reports because it meant more victims were coming forward to the police.