PCC responds to latest crime statistics for Norfolk

Norfolk's PCC has responded to the latest release of crime statistics data for all forces in England and Wales from the Office of National Statistics. 

The statistics cover the 12 month period to December 2021 and show that crime in Norfolk increased during this period by 3.2%.

Giles Orpen-Smellie, Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk said: “As PCC, it is my role to monitor crime levels in our county, ensure the constabulary is resourced to respond to those crimes and to hold the Chief Constable to account for providing an effective and efficient service.

“Whilst overall crime in Norfolk increased in the year ending December 2021, I am pleased to note from the latest set of data from the Office of National Statistics that there are crime types where Norfolk continues to have low rates compared to other parts of the country.

“The county has once again seen a decrease in burglary, retaining the second lowest rate in the country, whilst decreases in vehicle offences, theft and shoplifting are also positive to see.

“Across the country, knife crime is something that causes concern and worry for many communities and I am pleased to note that Norfolk’s statistics once again highlight a decrease in this type of crime.

“Nobody wants to see an increase in any form of crime and whilst cases of sexual offences and stalking and harassment have risen, these figures also suggest that Norfolk residents feel confident to report such incidents to the police and this must be welcomed.

“However, we must never be complacent and when I published my Police, Crime and Community Safety Plan for Norfolk a month ago, I included a specific priority to tackle crimes such as domestic abuse, sexual offences and Violence Against Women and Girls.

“The plan was developed in consultation with people across Norfolk and requires the Constabulary to tackle the crimes that cause so much distress in our communities – from anti-social behaviour to the high-harm crimes that have a big impact on people’s lives.

“My office commissions a wide number of support services for victims of crime, to ensure that help and support is always there for those who need it and is able to bid for government funding to tackle specific priority areas. Last year, the OPCCN successfully bid for more than £400,000 of funding specifically to make Norfolk’s streets feel safer for women and girls and this has gone on to fund a variety of projects.

“But preventing crime from happening in the first place and bringing perpetrators to justice must be an absolute priority.

“Reviewing these statistics is just one way I hold the Chief Constable to account and having set the budget for the constabulary and published my plan, I am determined to represent the people of Norfolk and ensure that they continue to get the policing service they need.”