Crime falls by over a QUARTER since lockdown – but anti-social behaviour soars by 59%
CRIME has plunged by more than a QUARTER since the coronavirus lockdown, police revealed yesterday.
Total recorded offences - excluding fraud - dipped by 28 per cent year-on-year in the four weeks leading up to Easter Sunday.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
And there were also huge drops in house burglaries (37 per cent), rape (37 per cent) and violent crime and robbery (both 27 per cent) The shutdown of most shops, apart from the likes of supermarkets and pharmacies, saw shoplifting offences sink by a staggering 54 per cent.
But domestic abuse rose by three per cent and anti-social behaviour soared by 59 per cent - fuelled by the public reporting lockdown-breakers.
The National Police Chiefs' Council said calls to 999 and 101 numbers had also plunged, but online crime reports had surged by 61 per cent.
A total of 3,203 fixed-penalty fines have been issued in the last four weeks to those flouting the new laws, with a third going to those aged between 18 and 24.
But 39 tickets given to 16 and 17 year olds were later cancelled because under-18s cannot be fined under the rules.
The NPCC said 83 cases were deemed so serious they are now being pursued through the courts.
FINE SURGE
ACC Sara Glen, of the NPCC, said hot weather on Good Friday and Easter Sunday had seen a surge in fines, before cooler temperatures on Easter Monday.
Elsewhere Lynne Owens, Director General of the National Crime Agency (NCA), the UK's FBI, said £1.8 million had been lost in Covid-19 fraud.
Organised crime gangs were changing their tactics because of the lockdown, turning to busy supermarket car parks to do drug deals.
Give now to The Sun's NHS appeal
BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?
The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £1MILLION for NHS workers.
The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid-19 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.
The Sun is donating £50,000 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM.
No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here
www.
MOST READ IN NEWS
And criminals were also dressing in hi-vis vests to pose as key workers to try to move across the country.
Cocaine prices have risen in the last few weeks as drug gangs find it hard to move and replace supply and that could spark a rise in violence between rival mobs, police fear.
Police have also warned paedophiles could take advantage of more children being at home and spending more time online.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - STAY IN THE KNOW
Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun's Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, .
To follow us on Facebook, simply .
Get Britain's best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day - .
- GOT a story? Ring The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or email [email protected].