PCC responds to ONS crime statistics

Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, said:

“I am heartened that North Yorkshire continues to have the lowest crime rate in England and my thanks go to the officers and staff of North Yorkshire Police who work so hard on our behalf to keep us all safe.

“Although we have seen a small overall increase of one per cent, there are some types of crime that have risen significantly more. Some of this is down to changes in technical recording practices by the police, but not all.

“I also believe more victims are coming forward and some offences, harassment in particular, are now being taken much more seriously, both of which are positive. The past five years has also seen a very significant investment in victim services and support and I have no doubt these are contributing to more people feeling able to report what’s happened to them.

“I have for example, more than tripled the funding to help victims of domestic and sexual abuse, which pays for more independent sexual and domestic violence advisors across the county. They have a pivotal and vital role in supporting victims through the criminal justice process, playing a huge part in securing strong conviction rates in North Yorkshire.

“Having said all this, although North Yorkshire remains the safest place in the country, this statistic is of little comfort for victims and you can be sure that our police will continue to do all they can to keep people safe, as well as help us feel safe.”