Reduction in region's crime pleases chief constable

BUT SHOP & DRUGS OFFENCES RISE

- HARRY LEACH

WEST Midlands Chief Constable Craig Guildford says he's "really pleased" after his force delivered a 6% drop in overall crime across the region.

Mr Guildford said a dramatic drop in the number of victims of crimes was the biggest for any police force in England and Wales between July 2024 and June 2025.

There were 19,828 fewer victims during that time period compared to the previous year.

The latest crime figures showed big drops in burglaries (down 22.67%), robberies (18.08%), vehicle crime (14.93%), serious youth violence (13.15%), theft from person (20.86%), and gun crime (15%).

There was also an, albeit smaller, decrease in domestic abuse crimes (3.52%).