House burglaries down but sex offences increase across South Yorkshire
Overall crime reduced in South Yorkshire but victims have faced delays for services
House burglary fell by more than a fifth in the space of 12 months, latest figures for South Yorkshire show.
In the 12 months ending in March this year, numbers were down by 20.6 per cent compared to the previous year, with a slight increase in what police call ‘action taken outcomes’ in response to those crimes, which were up by 0.7 of one per cent.
Neighbourhood crime was also down substantially, with a reduction of 13 per cent, again with ‘action taken outcomes’ rising marginally - however anti-social behaviour problems reported to police were up by seven per cent. That will be a priority for police, it has been confirmed.
Sexual offences increased by 5.2 per cent however, with overall crime rates down by 2.7 per cent, when fraud is excluded.
An annual report on policing, by South Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for crime and policing, Kilvinder Vigurs, states: “Residential burglary remains a priority for local communities, and it is encouraging that recorded offences have decreased during the year.
“Recorded sexual offences increased. While any such offence is unacceptable, this rise may partly reflect our continued partnership efforts to raise awareness and encourage victims of these crimes to come forward.
“Increase reporting helps ensure victims can access the specialist support they need.”
Over 12 months, almost 19,000 people were referred to Victim Support for help, with almost 2,000 more referred to the Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy Service.
In the report, Ms Vigurs concedes that “increased demand and prolonged criminal justice processes have meant people waiting for an Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy for longer than I would like.
“I’ve taken immediate steps to make sure victims are still supported if they are waiting for an IVSA and am working urgently to provide funding and more ISVAs over coming months.”
Work in Rotherham last summer, as part of the Safer Streets Initiative, included out of hours patrols to monitor locations around the town centre for anti-social behaviour and noise problems.
New CCTV columns have also been installed at Minster Gardens and Vicarage Lane, with other CCTV equipment also upgraded.
Across the county, Safer Streets work was credited with 55 additional arrests.