Crime in Worcester increases compared to same time last year

A total of 881 crimes were reported in Worcester to West Mercia Police in July – the latest month available – compared to 788 in the same month last year – a rise of 11 per cent.

The most crimes were reported in the city’s Cathedral policing area – which covers the city centre – where 280 crimes were reported in the month including 141 reports of violence and sexual offences, 32 reports of shoplifting and 30 public order offences.

There were also 17 reports of criminal damage and arson, six reports for possession of a weapon, three burglaries, one robbery and seven bike thefts reported in the month.

Whilst reports of crime did increase in July compared to the same month last year – the country was still in the midst of a national lockdown, brought on by the Covid pandemic, in July last year whereas lockdown measures were beginning to ease throughout the same month this year.

Police figures reveal 152 crimes were reported in Warndon including 77 reports of violence and sexual offences, 20 public order offences, 15 reports of criminal damage and arson and 11 vehicle crimes.

As many as 103 crimes were report in the Arboretum and Claines area including 53 reports of violence and sexual offences, 13 burglaries, 10 reports of criminal damage and arson and nine public order offences.

A total of 126 crimes were reported in Battenhall and Nunnery in the month including 67 reports of violence and sexual offences, 13 reports of criminal damage and arson, 12 public order offences and eight reports of shoplifting.

This is compared to the 117 crimes that were reported in Gorse Hill and Rainbow Hill including 70 reports of violence and sexual offences, 12 reports of criminal damage and arson, 12 public order offences and 11 reports of shoplifting.

A total of 103 crimes were reported in St John’s and Bedwardine including 48 reports of violence and sexual offences, 13 reports of criminal damage and arson, nine burglaries and eight reports of shoplifting.