Response to Latest ONS Crime Statistics

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released the latest crime figures for England and Wales today. The figures, which look at the 12 months to December 2017 as compared to the 12 months to December 2016, show that a total of 46,903 crimes were recorded in Gwent during the latest period which is an increase of 19% (15% increase for England and Wales).

Commenting on the latest figures, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, said: “Sadly, the demand on our police services are increasing daily and this will inevitably impact upon our communities. I will now discuss this data in depth with the Chief Constable of Gwent Police to look at the factors driving these changes and how we can work with our partners in Gwent to address them.

Recorded crime has increased nationally in England and Wales at a time of further UK Government cuts. As I have previously argued, it is vital that the Government provides more appropriate levels of funding for our local policing services so that we can effectively tackle these crimes, especially the crimes which affect our most vulnerable. The current settlement from the UK Government is insufficient to respond to current demand, let alone further increases. This is why I and my fellow Police and Crime Commissioners have again had to turn to the local population to address funding shortfalls through the Precept.”