Crime rates fall across Doncaster due to Covid pandemic

The number of crimes reported to police in Doncaster during 2020 was down almost five per cent, largely due to the conronavirus pandemic.
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New figures from the office of Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner shows that from January to December 2020, 36,154 crimes were reported to the force – down 4.6 per cent from the 37,911 reported in 2019.

A report to the PCC’s Public Accountability Board states that Doncaster has seen an “overall decrease” in reported crime during 2020, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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“Underlying this reduction were significant falls in theft offences, particularly domestic burglary and other theft of personal property,” it adds.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan BillingsPolice and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings
Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings

“This reflects the increase in time people have spent at home during the lockdown period, a reduction in opportunities for theft in public spaces and the closure of the night-time economy.”

The reports states that crime in Doncaster was at its lowest in April, rising through July before settling through the second half of 2020.

Doncaster, which equates for almost 27 per cent of crime recorded by South Yorkshire Police across the county, has also seen a reduction in demand for the force.

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Average monthly calls to police from August to date are 7,919 per month, and around 37 per cent are managed without officers attending.

Of those calls, public safety and welfare incidents continue made up the largest volume.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.