Explanation provided for rise in crime in Sheffield and what cops are doing about it

South Yorkshire Police recorded 59,279 offences in Sheffield in the 12 months to June – an increase of 15 per cent compared to the previous year, when there were 51,407 logged. Of those crimes 1,561 were sexual offences – an increase of 20 per cent from the year before.

Violent crimes went up from 17,422 to 20,764, theft offences in Sheffield rose by 21 per cent, with 19,012 incidents recorded; there were 6,504 incidents of criminal damage and arson, up five per cent; 1,726 drug offences, down 17 per cent; 720 possession of weapon offences, including guns and knives, up six per cent; 6,648 public order offences, up 14 per cent and 7,055 stalking and harassment offences, up three per cent.

Sheffield’s District Commander, Chief Superintendent Shelley Hemsley, said: “We have seen the country return to a new, post-pandemic normality. We also have taken great strides in improving our crime recording practices. Both of these factors will have undoubtedly contributed to the increases we have seen in crime levels but our commitment to providing an excellent, victim-led service remains steadfast.

“The increases in violent crime in particular may understandably cause concern across communities. Earlier this year, SYP received funding to provide ‘hotspot policing’ and other problem-solving initiatives in areas impacted by violent crime. This tactic involves us targeting specific areas where data shows there is a risk of serious crime, supporting our communities who are experiencing high levels of violence. We are already seeing the positive impact of this.

“We have increased the number of police officers working in the city centre to expand our presence into the night time economy, where we know violent crime is more prevalent. The team also continues to deliver targeted days of action through Operation Steel and also regularly deploys Operation Sidewinder, which sees the team patrolling with a passive drugs dog. This produces some excellent results, with numerous arrests and drug seizures, which is really important as we know a lot of violent crime is associated with drug and alcohol use.

“Since March, we have also had additional officers working in the area surrounding Abbeydale Road and London Road in response to incidents in 2021 and early 2022, which we know caused great concern to the local community. This operation has delivered really strong results, leading to a high number of arrests and weapons and drugs seized. We continue to work with our Operation Fortify team to disrupt organised crime groups whose activities often lead to violence.

“Reported sexual offences have also increased, which is testament to the significant efforts of the force in promoting its Violence Against Women and Girls 'No More' campaign and making victims feel safe and supported in coming forward to make a report. We want women and girls to feel safe, and we want our communities to call out sexual harassment and violence and challenge unwanted behaviours.

“This is why we have developed Operation Sentinel, our dedicated operation to identify those displaying predatory behaviours in the night time economy and support potentially vulnerable victims. We also have officers and staff working relentlessly to support victims of sexual offences, to secure evidence and apprehend those committing these awful crimes.”