West Midlands Police 'fastest-improving in the country' as crime falls and arrests increase

Crime has fallen and arrests have increased within the West Midlands, national statistics have revealed. West Midlands Police was said to be the 'fastest improving force in the country' after coming out of special measures over the summer.

Data showed significant reductions in crimes which cause the most harm to communities, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) covering July 2023 to June 2024. Other key areas that saw reductions included robbery, burglary, vehicle crime, theft from the person, and violent crime including domestic abuse.

Total crime reported across the West Midlands was cut by ten per cent compared to the same period last year. There were decreases in serious youth violence of nine per cent, including a reduction in knife crime. Domestic abuse reports fell by more than 14 per cent. The number of homicide offences dropped by seven per cent while robbery was down more than five per cent.

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There was a reduction of more than 13 per cent in vehicle crimes and a near-12 per cent drop in burglaries, while theft from the person saw a 28 per cent decrease.

The force was recognised as the fastest improving in the country after it was removed from special measures in July by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire & Rescue Services. Chief constable Craig Guildford said: “Making communities safer is at the heart of what West Midlands Police are here to do.

"As recently recognised by HMICFRS, we are pleased to see our hard work is paying off on behalf of the public. There are now considerably fewer victims of crime across the West Midlands.

“We hope the majority of people never have cause to be in contact with the police, but if they do need us, we answer their calls in record time and, where needed, respond and deploy officers quickly.

"The latest statistics serve to evidence the improvements people are seeing in their community. While recognising any offence is one too many, people in the West Midlands are statistically now less likely to be a victim of crime.

“Our officers and staff continue to work tirelessly to make substantial and sustained improvements in many important areas. Central to everything we do, is the public, keeping people safe and bringing offenders to justice.

"I know we are committed to focusing every effort on preventing crime, working with our partners and communities to problem-solve and tackle the issues that matter most to people.”

The West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, said: “I have been holding West Midlands Police to account and working with the force to prevent and tackle crime and keep the people and communities of the West Midlands safe and secure.

"I welcome the reductions in crime. However, we cannot be complacent and we never will be. One victim of crime is one too many.

"I am committed to constant and unremitting action to hold West Midlands Police to account, to ensure it is doing everything within its power to prevent and tackle crime and keep people, families, businesses and local communities safe and secure.”

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