New figures show exactly how many crimes were committed in South Yorkshire last year and what they were

The figure, released by the Office for National Statistics, includes all crimes committed in the county in 2019 excluding fraud.

Nationally, there were 5,013,284 offences – up four per cent on the previous year.

The highest increase, locally, was in the number of drug offences recorded by South Yorkshire Police – 3,355, which was a 35 per cent rise.

There was a 21 per cent increase in possession of weapon offences, with 1,663 recorded; and there was a five per cent hike in household burglaries, with 14,689 logged.

Last year there were 23 homicides in South Yorkshire, 29,003 offences of violence and 4,019 sex offences.

Theft offences dropped by two per cent and shoplifting went down by eight per cent.

South Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings, said: “Although crime overall in South Yorkshire has increased slightly by two per cent, this is half the national figure of four per cent, and there are some welcome results in some areas.

“The picture is a mixed one and care needs to be taken in interpreting the statistics.

“For instance, drug offences have increased by 35 per cent, but this means that the police have been more pro-active in catching those who deal drugs.

“Some of the decreases in crime are very much to be welcomed. For instance, the figures for knife and sharp instrument offences have decreased in South Yorkshire by two per cent, whereas in England and Wales as a whole, excluding Greater Manchester, there has been a rise of seven per cent. This is good news for the county.

“Theft is also down by two per cent and criminal damage and arson by five per cent, far greater than the national picture.

“Although some serious crimes have increased in South Yorkshire, the rate of increase has been much lower here. Stalking and harassment rose by five per cent, but nationally by 20 per cent. Robbery increased by two per cent, but by 12 per cent nationally.

“Crime figures will always rise and fall, the important thing is to understand the longer-term trends.”