West Midlands murder rate increases by 22 per cent
Recorded crime in the West Midlands has risen 14 per cent in a year with sharp rises in murder, domestic burglary and robbery.
Figures released today show the total number of crimes dealt with by each force in England and Wales in the year ending September 2017.
The West Midlands region saw a 14 per cent rise in crime, including a 22 per cent increase in murder.
West Midlands Police also recorded a 14 per cent increase to 221,774 crimes, while Staffordshire and West Mercia had a 13 per cent rise, 82,767 and 85,433 respectively.
Notable increases in crime for the West Midlands force include domestic burglary, which went up 37 per cent, robbery, up 27 per cent and harassment and stalking, up 25 per cent.
Staffordshire Police saw increases in public order offences, up 45 per cent, domestic burglary, up 35 per cent and harassment and stalking, up 32 per cent.
West Mercia Police recorded increases in domestic burglary, up 55 per cent, harassment and stalking, up 24 per cent and public order offences, up 15 per cent.
Across England and Wales, crime went up 15 per cent.
Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, David Jamieson, said: “The rise in crime in the West Midlands and across the country is disappointing and a big concern.
"These figures highlight the short-sighted approach of the government by continuing to apply real-terms cuts to police forces’ funding at a time when the pressures on policing are increasing."
Nick Baker, Deputy Chief Constable at Staffordshire Police, said: “The increase in recorded crime in Staffordshire is consistent with the uplift nationally.
“There has been an increase in violent crime and acquisitive crime, with much of this attributed to minor theft, however our local policing teams are working hard to tackle the number of domestic burglaries and car crimes in the county.
“In recent months offenders have received lengthy jail terms for car crime, drugs offences and violent crime in Staffordshire following arrests and evidence gathered by our officers. We have also brought offenders before the courts for offences including robbery, rape and modern slavery in recent weeks."
