AN ALARMING rise in crime in the West Midlands region in the last year is revealed by new official figures.
Crime has gone up in our region by 11 per cent.
The force says it is a reflection of crime rising both locally and nationally.
It has prompted police chiefs to call for more government funding, and reverse national funding cuts implemented in England and Wales since 2010.
Those years have seen a fall in total crime, making the new figures all the more shocking.
Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands, David Jamieson, said: “The rise in crime in the West Midlands and across the country is a major concern.
“These figures are further evidence the government needs to change course on police funding.
“Officers at the force work around the clock to prevent and catch those who decide to commit crimes and they are facing ever greater demands from an increasing threat of terror, levels of cyber-crime and a rise in the number of reported sex offences.
“The West Midlands Police has lost £145 million from central government since 2010. Despite being rated as outstandingly efficient by the Independent Inspectors the fact we have 2000 fewer officers fighting crime is starting to take its toll.
“Despite the challenges faced, we are determined to get on with the job of keeping people in the West Midlands safe.”
Elsewhere in the region; Warwickshire’s total recorded crime jumped by 19 per cent in the last year, Staffordshire by 14 per cent and West Mercia by 11 per cent.
