NEW figures show crime in Bradford has risen significantly post-lockdown with 75,893 offences in the 12 months to June, according to the Office for National Statistics.

That was an increase of 12 per cent compared to the previous year, when there were 67,671.

And, at 140.0 crimes per 1,000 people, that was far higher than the rate across England and Wales, which stood at 91.3.

Police chiefs say the rise is "undoubtedly influenced" by the pandemic as the figures contrast a time impacted by lockdown restrictions with another period where Covid restrictions were not in place.

Of the crimes recorded in Bradford over the last 12 months, 2,293 were sexual offences – an increase of 11 per cent from the year before.

Meanwhile, violent crime has risen in the area, from 30,222 to 34,150 over this period.

One of the main factors behind this increase was the rise in stalking and harassment, which rose by 17 per cent, from 12,338 incidents to 14,375.

And theft offences in Bradford rose by 15 per cent, with 15,503 incidents recorded in the 12 months to June.

At 28.6 crimes per 1,000 people, that was slightly higher than the rate across England and Wales, which stood at 26.5.

Crimes recorded in Bradford included: 2,293 sexual offences, a rise of 11 per cent, 34,150 violent offences, a rise of 13 per cent, 7,720 incidents of criminal damage and arson, up six per cent.

2,375 drug offences, down nine per cent, 610 possession of weapons such as firearms or knives, up seven per cent, 10,771 public order offences, up 21 per cent, 15,503 theft offences, a rise of 15 per cent, 14,375 stalking and harassment offences, up 17 per cent.

Deputy Chief Constable Russ Foster said: “The increase is undoubtedly influenced by the pandemic. We are comparing a period of time that was significantly impacted by lockdown restrictions with another period where Covid restrictions haven’t been in place for a number of months.”

“We know that our crime recording accurately reflects crime levels, as our processes were independently graded as Outstanding by His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS). We are one of only a few forces in the country to be graded as Outstanding.

“We continue to face unprecedented levels of demand with increasing levels of complexity but we have comprehensive plans in place to tackle challenges such as knife crime, serious and organised crime, violence against women and girls as well as the threat posed by the increasing number of online offences.

“We remain committed to targeting our resources to safeguard the most vulnerable in our communities and working closely with our partners to address issues which matter most to people.”

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