Responding to official figures released today (Thursday) that show serious crime is still rising, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “The reduction in resources for police forces was bound to have consequences for crime, as these new figures show.
“Government cuts to budgets have meant almost a third fewer police community support officers and a fifth fewer police staff, since 2010.
“With a much smaller police presence on the streets, it’s no wonder today’s figures show sexual offences, violent crime and knife crime are all up.
“Rather than cut resources, ministers should be investing in neighbourhood policing. Police forces need more skilled and specialist crime fighting staff to protect the public and the communities they live in.”
Notes to editors:
– Today’s ONS crime statistics are available on the ONS website.
– The police recorded crime figures presented relate to notifiable offences recorded during the year ending December 2015.
– There are now 30% fewer police community support officers, and 20% fewer police staff than in 2010. Police officer numbers are down 13%.
– Statistics for police force strengths are available from the Home Office.
Media contacts:
Alan Weaver T: 0207 121 5555 M: 07939 143310 E: a.weaver@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen T: 0207 121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen@unison.co.uk
