Express & Star comment: Combatting crime is the police’s job

And let's be very clear, this is an epidemic in every sense of the word, despite the efforts of certain figures in authority to muddy the waters.

This is not about the police getting better at recording crime, or any changes to recording methods that may have been brought in.

Crime in all of its many forms is rising at an alarming rate.

In recent months this newspaper has rightly focused its attention on violent crime.

The West Midlands has seen a number of tragic incidents involving the use of knives, while weapon possession and violent street attacks are up.

But it is also deeply concerning that vehicle crime is at an all time high.

In fact, the latest figures show that you are more likely to get your car stolen in the West Midlands than in any other part of the country.

Car crime has been steadily rising across the country in the last three years, with industry experts putting it down to criminals using sophisticated methods to override security measures.

It is hard to believe that just four years ago car crime was at an all-time low, thanks mainly to the development of engine immobilisers and keyless technology.

But times have changed, and crooks have cottoned on to the fact that no cars are 'theft proof'.

The West Midlands police and crime commissioner David Jamieson has called for manufacturers to improve security on their vehicles and for the police to do more.

Combatting vehicle crime must be a combined effort, and that means our police forces should be working with manufacturers and the Government to further understand this issue.

However, the fight against vehicle crime must start with the police.

As with any rise in crime, the force must be held accountable.

And that means Mr Jamieson and the region's Chief Constable Dave Thompson both have some serious questions to answer.

This is not a time for passing the buck.