Revealed: Crime figures reveal mixed picture in Staffordshire

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) released today shows that the number of offences in Staffordshire rose by two per cent in the 12 months to June this year.

The average for England and Wales over the same time-scale was a drop of one per cent.

The latest Staffordshire figures come following a fall of 11 per cent in the same period from June 2023 to June 2024.

The figures show that in the 12 months up to June this year a total of 86,529 offences were recorded in Staffordshire, excluding fraud offences, a rise of 1,130 offences from the June 2023 to June 2024 figures.

In Staffordshire, violent offences fell by one per cent, with a drop of three per cent in violent offences that resulted in injury.

Gun crime was down by 30 per cent, while knifepoint robberies have also fallen by six per cent in the last year, although there was also a seven per cent rise in both possession of weapons and knife crime.

Vehicle crime, including theft of vehicles, fell by five per cent, while criminal damage and arson offences are down by five per cent and theft offences have reduced by three per cent.

Sexual offences rose by 10 per cent, while stalking and harassment offences decreased by one per cent.

Burglary has seen a significant drop, falling by 21 per cent, but shop theft offences had risen by 20 per cent.

The force also pointed out the success of its Road Crime team, saying it had played a major role in tackling vehicle-related offences, including carrying out 3,636 drug and alcohol tests, arresting 939 people, seizing 265 stolen vehicles, and recovering £12.5 million in criminal assets. 

Staffordshire Police Deputy Chief Constable Caroline Marsh said: “Overall crime in Staffordshire was stable in the 12 months to the end of June 2025, with a two per cent increase.

“However, we’ve made significant progress in key areas. Burglaries have seen a substantial drop, with nearly 1,000 fewer offences reported, a 21 per cent reduction compared to the previous year. 

"This includes 735 fewer home burglaries, a 22 per cent reduction, alongside reductions in attempted burglaries and burglaries targeting garages and sheds. 

"We continue to attend the scene of every home burglary unless there's a compelling reason not to. Our thorough investigations and strong lines of enquiry are leading to more convictions.

“Vehicle crime, including theft of vehicles, has also fallen, down by 257 offences, a reduction of five per cent. Criminal damage and arson offences are down by five per cent (417 fewer crimes), and theft offences have reduced by three per cent (781 fewer crimes).

“Our Road Crime Team has played a major role in tackling vehicle-related offences. In the year to 1 October 2025 alone, they carried out 3,636 drug and alcohol tests, arrested 939 people, seized 265 stolen vehicles, and recovered £12.5 million in criminal assets.

“There has been a 10 per cent increase in reported sexual offences, 345 more crimes, up to June 2025. This rise is partly due to improved confidence among victims in coming forward and enhanced recording practices across forces. 

"Our dedicated team of specialist detectives focus solely on rape and serious sexual offences. They work to build strong, evidence-based cases that support victims and increase the chances of successful prosecution. Specially trained frontline officers ensure that victims receive immediate, expert support from the outset.

“Shoplifting offences have increased by 1,289, a 20 per cent rise. We understand the impact this has on retailers, staff and communities. That’s why we’re committed to tackling theft and targeting prolific offenders. 

"We’re working closely with businesses and using criminal behaviour orders in some areas to stop repeat offenders from entering designated zones, helping to reduce shoplifting locally.

“Finally, we’ve seen a 43 per cent increase in drug offences (an additional 890 crimes), along with a seven per cent rise in both possession of weapons (85 more offences) and knife crime (51 more offences). 

"These increases reflect our proactive efforts to detect and disrupt criminal activity.”