Increase in sexual offences as South Yorkshire crime goes up

CRIME in South Yorkshire has risen by 3% in the past year, including a 70% increase in sexual offences and a 25% increase in violent crime, according to figures compiled by the Office for National Statistics.

Public order offences also rose by 20% in the 12 months to June 2015, compared to the previous year.

South Yorkshire Police acknowledged that it was facing “major financial and staffing pressures”, as it is expected to make cuts of £59 million to its budget by 2020.

“It is no secret that we have recently lost many experienced and valued members of the force through voluntary redundancy,” said Assistant Chief Constable Jo Byrne.

“We have also undergone a restructure, with local policing teams now in place to maximise the time officers can spend in communities.

“Across all types of crime we remain committed to delivering the best possible service to victims of crime, as well as bringing those responsible to justice.”

Overall theft offences fell, with 11% fewer motor vehicle thefts, 10% fewer house burglaries and 15% fewer burglaries of other buildings.

Ms Byrne said that the rise in sexual offences was a national trend and thought to be due to improved reporting and recording, while the rise in violent crime was related to new recording methods.

She said it was “no surprise” that 68 more public order offences were recorded from July 2014 to June 2015 compared to the previous 12 months, as there were a number of demonstrations and marches in the county over the period.

“We can however reassure the public that we are focusing our efforts around violence in public places, particularly in the night-time economy and are continuing to encourage victims and survivors of domestic abuse to come forward,” added Ms Byrne.

“This can be said of all crime types and we hope that our proactive policing is giving victims the courage and confidence to report all instances of crime.”