Police chiefs say they will continue to “prioritise crimes that cause the greatest harm” after a rise in crime across Staffordshire.

Figures from the Office of National Statistics showed a rise of 5% between July 2017 and June 2018 – an additional 4,379 incidents.

There was also a 14% jump in violent crime, which includes those using social media platforms to send messages that cause the victim distress or anxiety.

There has also been a sharp rise (42%) in stolen cars, while house burglaries and drug offences have fallen.

Deputy Chief Constable Nick Baker said: “We understand people’s concerns around any rise in crime and the impact it can have on the quality of life of those who live, work and visit Staffordshire and we will continue to prioritise the crimes that cause the greatest harm, as well as tackling the issues that cause local concern.

“Over the past 12 months we have introduced a more modernised service to policing in Staffordshire, which has seen a significant investment in neighbourhood policing.

“These officers are focusing more on proactive policing in communities, developing specialist capabilities for more complex crime and working with our partners to find effective ways of intervening early to prevent crime and harm.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.

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Roy Appleby
5 years ago

Does this mean the officers will actually get out of their vehicles!! Wow

Philip Allso
5 years ago

It is annoying when they use percentages to illustrate statistics. If last year there was one crime and this year there are two that is a 100% increase. In reality this tells you very little. Break down the figures into meaningful numbers and crime types and that will better show the trends and what we should be better protecting ourselves against. It is all too easy to assume that crime is on the increase while in reality the offences most people will encounter are not. The police of course have a vested interest in portraying their role (and funding) to their best possible advantage.

John Griffin
5 years ago

I know some coppers, including one of my sister’s, and things are much, much worse than portrayed here. In many cases, priority means a lot goes ignored. Desperate was one word used, overwhelmed another, and guns/knives becoming common.

Dave
5 years ago

Roy – only to persecute innocent motorists. If a real crime happens they are conspicuous by their absence.

Steve
5 years ago

There is a huge amount of crime that goes unreported.

The problem is criminals know which crimes they can do and have virtually no chance of it being investigated, let alone be caught.

Who decides which crimes are “priority”?

My mother had a break in, which is probably a minor crime. She could not live in that house again and had to move. It’s minor to the police and the PCC, yet a major life changing event to the person it happens to.

Darryl
5 years ago

“Here’s a statement we’ve been forced to make and now PCCs are in place, we have to say we’ll do things other than say IT’S BECAUSE THERE ARE NOW FEWER POLICE THAN 33 YEARS AGO!”

But hey, Tories gave you PCCs so you have someone to moan to when chaos reigns, no police, just a channel.

Roy Appleby
5 years ago

Every Crime is a priority!!!

nellygb
5 years ago

Mr Ellis where are you??? Anyone seen the Police and Crime (and Fire Service) commissioner, I would have thought he could have found the time to at least put forward some BS comment on how things will be different. This as all happened on your watch and what you going to do about it? Love to hear.