Number of women arrested in Lancashire soars, warns charity

Arrest rates for women have jumped by nearly half in Lancashire, according to new analysis.
More women are being arrestedMore women are being arrested
More women are being arrested

The number of women held in 2015/16 increased compared to the previous year in nearly two out of five forces, a study from the Prison Reform Trust (PRT) found.

But arrests of women fell in the majority of areas, leading to suggestions of a “postcode lottery”.

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The largest increase was seen in Lancashire, where arrests rose by 46 per cent, but some forces recorded a drop, according to figures compiled by the charity.

Report author Dr Thomas Guiney said: “The evidence is clear that point of arrest can be the ideal opportunity for effective early intervention, giving women the support they need to tackle the issues leading to their offending. Our report shows that this is working well in some areas - where police and other agencies are collaborating to ensure a proportionate and fair outcome. More must be done to ensure these services are available across England and Wales.”

Chief Constable Simon Cole, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for local policing, said: “As a member of the Prison Reform Trust advisory group, I feel this is a helpful discussion paper which underlines the importance of problem-solving and early intervention, a goal shared by chief officers and recognised in the National Policing Vision 2025.

“Over 7,000 fewer women were arrested last year compared to 2014/15 - a fall of nearly 5 per cent and despite population growth.

“We will continue to use learning and evidence of what works to support the most vulnerable and get better still.”