Sex crimes are down, drugs offences are up – but North Yorkshire still ‘the safest place in the country’
Lockdown has had a big impact on crime, new figures show.
The latest official figures show a drop in many offences – and North Yorkshire Police recognise that “national lockdown restrictions had a significant effect on levels of crime throughout last year”.
The stats released today by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show the county has a crime rate of 49.9 per 1,000 people – the lowest rate in the country. The national average is 80.8.
North Yorkshire crime statistics 2019-2020
| Year | 2020 | 2019 | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total recorded crime | 41,375 | 47,329 | -5,954 | -12.58% |
| Violence against the person | 16,230 | 16,630 | -400 | -2.41% |
| Homicide | 2 | 6 | -4 | -66.67% |
| Violence with injury | 5,754 | 6,316 | -562 | -8.90% |
| Violence without injury | 6,141 | 6,598 | -457 | -6.93% |
| Stalking and harassment | 4,310 | 3,693 | 617 | 16.71% |
| Death or serious injury - unlawful driving | 23 | 17 | 6 | 35.29% |
| Sexual offences | 1,619 | 1,963 | -344 | -17.52% |
| Robbery | 208 | 236 | -28 | -11.86% |
| Theft offences | 11,591 | 16,841 | -5,250 | -31.17% |
| Burglary | 2,523 | 3,860 | -1,337 | -34.64% |
| Residential burglary4 | 1,543 | 2,401 | -858 | -35.74% |
| Non-residential burglary4 | 980 | 1,459 | -479 | -32.83% |
| Vehicle offences | 1,853 | 2,273 | -420 | -18.48% |
| Theft from the person | 168 | 466 | -298 | -63.95% |
| Bicycle theft | 897 | 1,073 | -176 | -16.40% |
| Shoplifting | 2,938 | 4,622 | -1,684 | -36.43% |
| Other theft offences | 3,212 | 4,547 | -1,335 | -29.36% |
| Criminal damage and arson | 5,246 | 5,790 | -544 | -9.40% |
| Drug offences | 1,813 | 1,630 | 183 | 11.23% |
| Possession of weapons offences | 395 | 308 | 87 | 28.25% |
| Public order offences | 3,322 | 2,970 | 352 | 11.85% |
| Miscellaneous crimes | 951 | 961 | -10 | -1.04% |
Overall, total recorded crime in York and North Yorkshire fell by 13 per cent in 2020 compared to 2019. Across England and Wales, the decrease was 10 per cent.
Broken down into the main crime categories, the ONS figures for North Yorkshire show decreases in recorded crime compared to 2019, including:
- Sexual offences decreased by 18 per cent
- Robbery decreased by 12 per cent
- Theft offences decreased by 31 per cent, including a 35 per cent fall in burglary and a 16 per cent fall in bicycle theft
- Criminal damage and arson decreased by 9 per cent.
Extremely challenging year
Violence against the person fell slightly (2%) while stalking and harassment increased by 17%.
Other increases include:
- Drug offences increased by 11 per cent
- Possession of weapons offences increased by 28 per cent
- Public order offences increased by 12 per cent.
North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Lisa Winward said: “2020 was an extremely challenging year, but exceptional situations call for an exceptional response – and officers, staff and volunteers across the force have shown a level of commitment, professionalism and diligence that is nothing short of incredible.
“Clearly, national lockdown restrictions had a significant effect on levels of crime throughout last year, but it’s encouraging to know that our area remains the safest place in the country.
“We couldn’t have achieved this without the confidence of the people we serve, and I’m so grateful that our communities have been overwhelmingly supportive of our work during these difficult times.
“It’s very likely that levels of crime will fluctuate as national restrictions ease, but we will never be complacent, and will continue to work hard to meet the challenges we face, ensuring victims remain at the centre of everything we do.”