A "worrying" trend has seen violent crime in Suffolk rise by a third in just six years.
New data from the Office for National Statistics reveals 16,587 violent crimes were committed in Suffolk from April 2022 to March 2023.
Showing a 9% increase from the previous year, 6,430 of these crimes were classed as violence with injury and 10,157 as violence without injury.
This data points towards an upwards trend in the number of violent crimes committed in Suffolk across the past decade.
Bar the year ending March 2021, when people were kept inside due to Covid restrictions, violent crime has increased by nearly a third (4,000 reports) in just six years.
Suffolk's police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore said on the figures: "Any increase in violent crime is a worry for all of us.
"It's a sad reflection of the minority in society. It's this entitlement culture - I want this and come hell or high water, I'll have it my way."
Mr Passmore attributed the increase in violent crime, in part, to population growth and better recording – but acknowledged that this does not make up the majority of cases.
"We need to do everything possible within the criminal justice system to bring these people to justice," he added.
"We cannot tolerate people going around with this thuggish, loutish mentality and getting away with it."
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Suffolk Constabulary's Deputy Chief Constable Rob Jones said: "It's important to state from the outset Suffolk remains a safe place to live and to visit as much of the violence we get reported is between individuals who are known to each other."
He drew attention to those cases within the data which are caused by low level offending, much of which is linked to the night-time economy and substance abuse.
"Incidents involving knives is as much a cultural issue as it is criminal," said DCC Jones.
"Especially with the young and we support and work alongside our partners to identify individuals early on and divert them from criminal activity."
Mr Passmore added that knife crime "doesn't solve anything", saying this is a vital message to broadcast to those carrying the weapon.
One example of the police's response to this issue is Operation Hull, Suffolk Constabulary's response to gang crime, which focuses on drug dealing, youth violence and associated criminality.
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DCC Jones added: "Collectively with our partners, we are absolutely committed to preventing serious violence and violence against women and girls, pursuing perpetrators, supporting victims and continuing to strengthen our response to ensure the safety of our communities."
As for what will be done to protect victims, Mr Passmore said the Safer Streets programme will help focus on crime hotspots throughout Suffolk.
Earlier this month, it was announced that Suffolk would receive £1.4million in a crackdown on anti-social behaviour, theft and violence against women and girls.
And, as there is a victim to every crime, Mr Passmore also emphasised the importance of victim care.
"We have increased funding to both the Independent Domestic Violence Advisers and Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care," he said.
"That way, we can help those victims by signposting them to the appropriate support."
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