Fewer PCSOs opens the door for yob crime Lib Dems claim

Falling numbers of community crimefighters in Dudley borough is opening the door for antisocial behaviour, according to Liberal Democrats

Police community support officers (PCSOs) have become a vital part of policing since their introduction in 2002 but statistics show cuts reduced the amount of officers on the beat.

Information obtained by Dudley Liberal Democrats under the Freedom of Information Act shows there are almost a third fewer PCSOs in the region than six years ago.

Cradley and Wollescote councillor Ethan Stafford, deputy leader of the Dudley Lib Dem group, said: “Dudley has seen a 31 percent decrease in the number of PCSOs on our streets over the last six years, and that is having a direct impact on the safety of residents in our communities.”

“PCSO’s are the first line of defence against all types of crime, including antisocial behaviour. 

“We are very lucky in Cradley and Wollescote to have a fantastic officer supporting us, but dedication and commitment will only get us so far. 

“These cuts pave the way for anti-social behaviour in our communities.”

The total number of PCSOs in the West Midlands Police force is 265 compared with 417 in 2019.

In borough police areas, Dudley has fallen from 42 to 29, Halesowen from four to three and Stourbridge from nine to seven over the same period.

Despite the cuts, crime across the West Midlands has fallen, data released in July 2025 by West Midlands Police shows total crime across the region dropped by almost 20,000 offences (more than six percent) over the last year (July 2024 to June 2025) compared with the previous 12 months.

There have been nearly 2,000 fewer victims of domestic abuse, almost 1,500 fewer robberies and over 3,800 fewer burglaries compared to last year. 

Knifepoint robberies fell by 18 percent in the last year with nearly 1,500 fewer robberies and 1,490 fewer knife crime offences.

West Midlands Police Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “The continued success to cut crime across the West Midlands is a fantastic message to be able to deliver. 

“Vehicle crime, burglary, robbery and knife crime have all seen significant reductions. I hope our communities feel confident and reassured that our officers and staff are working tirelessly to cut crime in their area.

“The data reflects some very significant changes to the way we police on behalf of our communities on a daily basis and the results that these changes have brought. 

“We have been able to make substantial reductions in crime, to arrest more offenders and to ensure they are held to account for their crimes whilst we continue to protect the vulnerable.”