Policing statistics highlight 22% drop in crime during 2021 lockdown period

Throughout the pandemic, sustained falls in crime have been recorded during periods of national lockdown, with crime only rising close to 2019 levels during the summer months of 2020. The third national lockdown introduced on 6 January 2021 witnessed a large reduction in recorded crime as individuals were told to stay at home, allowing criminals less opportunities to commit offences.

For the most recent recorded snapshot (ie the four weeks to 14 February 2021), serious violent crime – including Grievous Bodily Harm, Actual Bodily Harm and personal robbery – reduced by 36%, shoplifting was down 44%, vehicle crime fell by 36% and residential burglary was down by 36% compared to the same period in 2020.

Worryingly, the latest figures also show a 14% increase in assaults on Emergency Services workers. The rise is thought to be driven by increases in common assaults on police officers, including the abhorrent practice of suspects spitting on officers while claiming to be infected with COVID-19.

Demand on policing remains high

NPCC chair Martin Hewitt explained: “We’ve seen falls in crime during periods of national lockdown and we’re now witnessing the same trends again. Although overall crime is lower than the comparable time last year, demand on the police service remains significant. As well as day-to-day policing to prevent and tackle crime and keep communities safe, we continue to work alongside our partners both locally and nationally in tackling this pandemic and limiting the spread of the virus.”

Focusing on one particular issue, Hewitt stated: “Assaults on emergency workers who do crucial work to keep the public safe at any time are deplorable. This is an offence and those caught will be prosecuted. Police are out in communities, working in very challenging circumstances, and I’m grateful for their continued hard work. We encourage the public to follow the rules in place to limit the spread of the virus.”

Forces have also continued to observe falls in the number of calls made to the police. Compared to the same period in 2020, 999 call volumes decreased by 20% and 101 calls by 18%.

The national absence rate for officers and staff remains low at 4.8%.