Violence and drug offences rise in Cambridgeshire during COVID lockdown

While crime across the county fell by 18 per cent during April, May and June compared to the same period in 2019, violence increased by seven per cent, according to figures released today by the Office for National Statistics.

Across England and Wales during the same period, violence fell by five per cent.

There was also a large rise in drug offences recorded, increasing by 55 per cent compared to a national average of 30 per cent, and stalking increased by 45 per cent, compared to a national average of 20 per cent.

A four per cent rise in public order offences was also recorded in the county and a 14 per cent rise in 'miscellaneous crimes against society' was noted.

All other crime types fell in Cambridgeshire during lockdown, with a 10 per cent drop in recorded sexual offences, a 29 per cent drop in robbery, and a 41 per cent drop in burglary.

Criminal damage and arson fell by 21 per cent, with shoplifting dropping by 53 per cent - perhaps unsurprisingly while many shops were forced to close.

The figures also show a rise in knife crime in Cambridgeshire in the 12 months ending in June, compared to the 12 months ending in June 2019 - although it is still below the national rate.

The statistics show the knife crime rate in Cambridgeshire per 100,000 people was 65 this year, compared to 47 last year.

The national average is 80 this year, compared to 81 last year.

The number of offences involving firearms in the county remained static at 68 - the same number as last year, and a large drop from the 84 recorded the previous year.

A Cambridgeshire police spokesperson, said: “There are a number of reasons why we see changes in crime trends. These include targeted police activity to drive down offences, increased reporting, or changes in the way in which crimes are recorded.

“We will never become complacent in our efforts to ensure that we protect the most vulnerable members of our community, while tackling our most dangerous offenders.

“The lockdown experienced earlier in the year and ongoing restrictions will undoubtedly have an impact on some crime levels, with people confined to their homes.

“We work closely with key partners and agencies on this and on ways to combat serious crime in local areas and improvements have also been made to how we record crime, which could have an impact on the stats.

“Of course, the public play a vital role in supporting our work to tackle and prevent crime, and every day we receive information from them that makes a genuine difference to that work.

“Members of the public should report crime and suspicious behaviour to police either via our web chat function or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency.”