NPCC condemns ‘deplorable’ rise in assaults on officers

Latest crime figures provided by forces in England and Wales show assaults increased by 14 per cent in the four weeks to February 14 compared with the same period in 2020.

The NPCC said this will “not be tolerated” and those caught will prosecuted.

The rise is thought to be driven by increases in common assaults on police officers, including suspects spitting on officers while claiming to be infected with Covid-19.

NPCC chair Martin Hewitt said: “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 am grateful for their continued hard work.”

The increase follows a small fall of two per cent in the previous month and signals a return to previously seen trends, said the NPCC.

However, the latest data shows overall crime was down 22 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Serious violent crime – including grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm and personal robbery – reduced by 36 per cent, shoplifting was down 44 per cent, vehicle crime fell by 36 per cent and residential burglary was down by 36 per cent.

Reported rape saw a 12 per cent fall and recorded domestic abuse incidents decreased by five per cent over the snapshot period compared to the same period in 2020.

“There remains little evidence of the significant increase in reported domestic abuse that was anticipated at the start of lockdown, although police continue to monitor this area closely and work closely in partnership with relevant organisations,” said the NPCC.

However, it warned that police figures do not capture “hidden domestic abuse” that is not reported.

Mr Hewitt said: “We have seen falls in crime during periods of national lockdown and we are seeing the same trends again.

“Although overall crime is lower than the comparable time last year, demand on the police 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.”

Throughout the pandemic, sustained falls in crime have been recorded throughout periods of national lockdown, with crime only rising close to 2019 levels during the summer months of 2020, said the NPCC.

The third national lockdown introduced on January 6, 2021, saw a large reduction in recorded crime as individuals were told to stay at home, allowing criminals less opportunities to commit offences.

Police in England and Wales recorded a total of 99,555 Covid-19 related incidents in the four weeks to the February 14. This was a similar level to that reported in last month’s update (100,281).

“These level of incidents are higher than were seen before restrictions were tightened and is likely to be driven by an increase in reports to the police of people breaching the public health regulations,” said the NPCC.

Forces have also continued to observe falls in calls to police. Compared with the same period in 2020, 999 call volumes decreased by 20 per cent and 101 calls by 18 per cent.

The national absence rate for officers and staff also remains low at 4.8 per cent.