Knife crime in Suffolk increases by 51 per cent

Knife crime in Suffolk has risen by 51 per cent - the highest increase in England and Wales, according to latest Home Office statistics.

The figures collated by the Office for National Statistics show that knife and sharp instrument offences increased from 146 in April 2017 to March 2018 to 221 from April 2018 to March 2019.

Overall crime recorded in Suffolk grew by three per cent to 54,475 compared to eight per cent in England and Wales at 5.2 million.

Robberies in the county also saw a big rise of 32 per cent to 477 against an 11 per cent increase nationally.

The number of burglaries in Suffolk fell by 12 per cent to 3,817 compared to a three per cent drop in England and Wales to 422,870.

However, the number of sexual offences in Suffolk increased by 15 per cent to 2,331 with a seven per cent rise in England and Wales to 162,030.

Detective Chief Supt Eamonn Bridger said: “We would always be concerned with any increase in any area of crime but it should be remembered that increases in knife-related crime is a national issue and Suffolk still has relatively low numbers of such offences.

"Whilst the increase is 51% from year ending March 2018 compared with year ending March 2019, the figures show it equals an extra 75 offences and a total of 221 offences across the county in a whole year period.

“The partnership effort to tackle knife crime in Suffolk is a priority. We can see the devastation that is caused through the carrying and use of such weapons. We are determined to proactively prevent offences before they happen and thoroughly investigate crimes to bring those responsible to justice.

"We continue to work with other authorities and community partners to make sure that resources are available to help reduce these offences.

“Locally secured investment in policing has seen more Constables placed in local policing, proactive teams to tackle the criminals that drive such offending and later this year further investment in support to the investigations.

"We acknowledge that there is much to do but remain committed to ensuring our communities are as safe as they can be.”