CRIME\u00a0in 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.<\/p>\n
Public order offences also rose by 20% in the 12 months to June 2015, compared to the previous year.<\/p>\n
South Yorkshire Police acknowledged that it was facing “major financial and staffing pressures”, as it is expected to make cuts of \u00a359 million to its budget by 2020.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“We have also undergone a restructure, with local policing teams now in place to maximise the time officers can spend in communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cAcross 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.”<\/p>\n
Overall theft offences fell, with 11% fewer motor vehicle thefts, 10% fewer house burglaries and 15% fewer burglaries of other buildings.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n