Violent crime up and police numbers down shows "record of failure"

Violent crime has risen by 18% across England and Wales in the last year, according to new statistics today. The Liberal Democrats said the figures revealed the government's "record of failure" on crime.

It is the largest annual rise in crime for a decade and includes increases of 16% in robbery and 14% in sex offences.

It comes as separate figures show there are 900 fewer police officers compared to last year.

Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary Ed Davey commented:
 
“The Conservative record of failure on crime has been exposed - crime is up and police numbers are down.

"This Government is failing in its duty to keep our streets safe.

"The Conservatives have utterly disrespected the police by freezing their wages and cutting their budgets time and again.

“It's time for the Government to admit the impact of these savage cuts and ensure our police have the funding they need to keep us safe."