Coventry sees a 6% drop in knife crime, but shoplifting rises over 30% in the West Midlands, raising concerns among local unions and police.
Coventry: Recent stats show knife crime is down in Coventry and the West Midlands. It dropped by six percent, totaling 4,930 offenses by September 2024.
However, this still represents nine percent of all knife-related crimes in England and Wales during that time.
Craig Guildford from West Midlands Police stated that crime is down in nearly all areas, including Coventry. But Usdaw, a union, is worried about rising shoplifting rates in the region.
Shoplifting incidents increased by over 30 percent, with more than 28,000 cases reported in the West Midlands by September 2024.
Chief Constable Guildford emphasized that officers are working hard to reduce crime and hold offenders accountable. He noted significant changes in policing to better serve the community.
He expressed satisfaction with the drop in crime rates, stating that fewer people are becoming victims. He reminded everyone that these stats only go up to last October, and crime has continued to decline since then.
Guildford also mentioned a recent stabbing incident involving a student named Leo Ross. He met with students from Leo’s school to support them after this tragic event.
He acknowledged that while crime rates are down, any crime is one too many. People in the West Midlands are now statistically less likely to be victims of crime.
Simon Foster, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, is dedicated to holding the police accountable and working with them to enhance community safety.
