Strategic assessment
The Strategic Assessment (SA) is an annual review of crime patterns and demand on policing and other partners in Coventry. The SA fulfils the partnerships responsibility outlined in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
The purpose of this SA is to provide an analysis of the levels and patterns of crime including changes in levels and patterns since the previous SA. Secondly, the SA will highlight threats and emerging threats that the CCSP should prioritise when exercising their functions in order to mitigate threats and reduce harm to our communities.
The SA will aim to provide the CCSP with an overview of the 12-month period of April 2023 to March 2024 to support strategic decisions for the next year
Coventry – Profile of the city
Coventry is a diverse and cohesive city with a relatively young population, with a median age of 35 years old compared to the UK average of 40 years old. In recent years, the city has experienced an 8.9% growth in its population, from 316,915 in 2011 to 345,300 residents on Census Day 2021. This is higher than the rate in the region (6.2%) and England (6.6%).
The city’s population has grown in recent years, particularly amongst younger adults. The growth can likely to attributed to the success of the city’s two universities in attracting students locally and internationally; as well as better-paid jobs in certain sectors of the local economy.
Newly arrived communities play a vital role in Coventry’s social fabric, economic development, and economic growth. This group includes students, people fleeing conflict and economic migrants. Coventry’s long-standing tradition of providing safety and refuge to those escaping conflict is a testament to the city’s welcoming and inclusive ethos.
Strategic assessment – key findings
Total recorded crime (TRC)
- 38,508 crimes in Coventry in 23/24 this was a 10.1 % decrease to last year.
- ASB has increased by 22.6%
Assault and battery – top offence
- 4345 offences accounting for 11.2% of TRC
- 8.1% Decrease compared to previous year.
- 20.6% of these offences were influenced by drugs and alcohol.
Shoplifting and theft – second highest offence
- 44.5% increase from the previous year
- Accounted for 6.7% of total recorded crime (TRC)
Acquisitive crime
- Has decreased by 7.6%
- Vehicle Crime (second highest proposition of acquisitive crime) has decreased by 10.5%
Drugs and substance misuse
- Overall decrease in a number of offences linked to drugs and alcohol compared to the previous year.
- Decrease in the number of drug-related crimes
Serious youth violence
- Overall decrease in Serious Youth Violence by 5.8%
- Increase in child exploitation (county lines) by 18.5%
Child abuse
- Decrease in Child Abuse by 9.9%
Violence against women and girls
- Higher number of female victims for Domestic Abuse and Sexual Offences
- Total number of Domestic Abuse Offences reported to police has decreased
- Referrals to Domestic Abuse Support Services have increased.
- Increase in sexual offences recorded to and by the police.
Areas
St Michael’s Ward
- St Michael’s ward saw the highest volume of crime (8209). This accounted for 31% of TRC
Foleshill Ward
- Foleshill Ward saw the second highest volume of crime (3496). This accounted for 9.1% of TRC