Rise in personal thefts across region

Personal thefts recorded by two police forces covering East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire have risen sharply, according to the latest figures.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows there were a total of 205 thefts from the person offences in Lincolnshire last year - a rise of 26% compared to 2023, while Humberside Police saw an increase of 22% in the same period with 539 incidents reported.

However, there has been a reduction in overall crime with Humberside Police seeing a drop of 7% and a 1% fall in the Lincolnshire area.

Dave Marshall, deputy chief constable of Humberside Police, said the force had made "significant efforts" in reducing crime last year.

In England and Wales, personal thefts were up 22% in 2024 from the previous year, according to ONS.

Shoplifting had also risen with Lincolnshire Police seeing a 10% increase, but there was a 1% rise in the Humberside Police force area.

While drugs and weapons offences had increased, sexual offences and incidents of public order, criminal damage, arson, bicycle theft and robbery all fell, Mr Marshall said.

But the force would continue to operate with a "clear focus on victim-based crime and making reductions in areas where people unnecessarily suffer".

A spokesperson said: "Victim-based crimes are incredibly intrusive and often have a huge impact on people and our communities, especially crimes like theft from a person where personal items like mobile phones are being taken, often occurring in public spaces."

Lincolnshire Police has been approached for a comment.

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