Yorkshire Among UK’s Worst Regions for Gun Crime, Report Reveals
Yorkshire has been identified as one of the UK’s most affected regions by gun crime, with West and South Yorkshire ranking among the top five areas in the country, according to a recent report.
West Yorkshire has emerged as the second-worst region, recording 626 firearms offences last year, marking a significant 42% increase from the previous year. South Yorkshire, although experiencing a 7% decrease in gun crime, still recorded 309 firearms offences, placing it fifth on the list of the most affected areas in England and Wales.
The report, compiled by Churchill Support Services, assessed 25 police force areas across the two nations. Greater Manchester ranked just ahead of South Yorkshire, with 494 firearm offences, while the West Midlands secured third place with 576 recorded incidents. West Yorkshire, with its substantial increase in offences, claimed the second position, while London was identified as the worst region, with a staggering 1,248 firearms offences last year alone.
Despite South Yorkshire‘s fifth-place ranking, South Yorkshire Police highlighted some positive trends in their efforts to tackle gun crime. Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Slater, head of the Armed Crime Team at South Yorkshire Police, noted a significant reduction in the number of viable firearms discharges in the area. “Compared to 2020, discharges have been reduced by over 50 per cent,” he said. “In 2023, the force seized 154 viable firearms—an increase from the 58 recovered in 2022.”
DCI Slater emphasized the force’s commitment to combating gun crime in the region. “We have seen first-hand the pain, devastation, and terror caused by gun crime, and it is something we will not tolerate in South Yorkshire,” he stated. “Day by day, we are gathering more and more intelligence and evidence on the activities of those involved in firearms criminality, and we want them to know that we will come after them. The Armed Crime Team is unwavering in its dedication to tackling gun crime, and we remain committed to pursuing the individuals who possess firearms in South Yorkshire.”
Nationally, gun crime remains a pressing issue, with a reported 8,767 separate incidents across the UK between April 2023 and March 2024. This equates to approximately one instance of gun crime for every 7,754 people in the country.
The report’s findings, drawn from statistics provided by various police forces, including the Metropolitan Police and South Yorkshire Police, underscore the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in tackling gun violence.
Authorities urge anyone concerned about gun crime or the use of firearms in their area to contact the police on 101. In emergencies, when a life is at risk or if a crime is in progress, residents should dial 999. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously at 0800 555 111 or through their website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org, with assurances that all information will be kept confidential.
West Yorkshire holds the unenviable title of being the second most problematic area in terms of gun violence, closely followed by South Yorkshire, which stands at the fifth position in the ranking.
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