Figures reveal which types of crime increased and decreased in Harborough during the pandemic

Overall, crime fell by 10 per cent across the district
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Crime in Harborough fell by 10 per cent last year amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The total number of recorded crimes across the rural district was 4,324.

That was down by 491 offences on the total of 4,815 crimes recorded by police in 2019.

Crime in Harborough fell by 10 per cent last year amid the Covid-19 pandemic.Crime in Harborough fell by 10 per cent last year amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Crime in Harborough fell by 10 per cent last year amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

For obvious reasons, the most dramatic fall was in shoplifting – which halved.

Police recorded 207 offences as the vast majority of shops in Harborough were forced to close during tough long coronavirus lockdowns.

The number of burglaries and thefts across the district also fell.

They both fell by 34 per cent to 350 and 449 incidents respectively.

‘Violence with injury’ incidents rose by 40 per cent to 499 cases.

But Leicestershire Police said that rise is partly due to a change in how the crime is recorded.

The Office for National Statistics figures show the decline in overall crime in Harborough was the joint biggest drop in Leicestershire.

Crime fell across the county by just over 5 per cent last year.

There were 88,573 offences recorded – 4,500 less than in 2019.

Nationally, Leicestershire is ranked 18th out of 43 forces for all crime.

Assistant Chief Constable Julia Debenham said: “We all know that life has been very different over the last year.

“There is no doubt that the pandemic has influenced significant changes in criminal behaviour.

“Steadfastly throughout, the police have carried out our duty to protect people and tackle criminality.

“As we open up the night time economy and have more contact with each other, I want to reassure you that our policing plans are in place to continue to help keep people safe.

“Although some crimes have decreased we have seen an increase in violence against the person across the last 12 months.”

She added: “Much of this increase is associated with better recording.

“We continue working with partners to ensure that we are putting resources in the right places at the right time, that we work together to support victims and prevent violent crime.”