, Labour’s
Shadow Home Secretary, commenting on the
publication of crime statistics today, said:
“This is a damning indictment of ten years of Tory neglect
of policing and the effect of cuts. The increase in the number of
knife crime offences leaves them at an all-time high, and charge
rates are at a low.
“It is far from clear that the government will meet its own
target for recruiting extra officers. It is certain they will not
address some of the underlying causes of crime because they don’t
even intend to.
“This government cannot ensure the safety of our citizens
is given the correct priority unless it changes course
dramatically.”
Ends
Note to editors:
· Crime
in England and Wales: year ending September 2019,
ONS:
“Police recorded crime provides the best measure of
higher-harm but less common types of violence, such as those
involving a knife or sharp instrument. Figures for the year
ending September 2019 showed a 7% rise in offences involving
knives or sharp instruments recorded by the police (to 44,771
offences).1 This is 46% higher than when
comparable recording began (year ending March 2011) and the
highest on record”.
Source: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/bulletins/crimeinenglandandwales/yearendingseptember2019#knife-or-sharp-instrument-offences
