Is violent crime increasing in Birmingham? We ask local people what can be done about assaults

Birmingham's crime rate is significantly higher than the national average with violent crime making up 40.6 percent of reported crimes across the region.

Stories of serious violent crimes are repeatedly in the news cycle. But are things getting worse, and what can be done about it? We ask local people for their thoughts on violent crime levels in the city.

Dixie says: “I definitely think violent crimes has definitely increased, most definitely, and I think a lot of the reason for that is probably poverty. I think a lot of people are in a lot of hardship these days and I don't think people are finding it very easy to find their way in the world.

"I think there's a lot of really lost people, a lot of really sad people, and I really don't think that the resources are there for mental health, and I really don't think the resources are there for people who become homeless or go through really diverse situations.

"So then I think that makes an impact maybe on how they are going out and conducting themselves. I think there's a lot of very broken people about.”

Jenny says: “Yes, there is more violent crime. I think it's nationwide. I don't think it's endemic to any part of England. I think it's all of it. I think probably cost of living has not helped. Covid obviously didn't help. I don't know a solution.

"I think we've got an awful lot of, well, immigrants coming in. I think that needs to be addressed. That part of it needs to be addressed and the government needs to address funding for different parts of the country to ensure that everybody is on the level playing field.”

Ash says: “Again, it comes down to poverty. And if we talk about men, I think the biggest thing is mental health. There's not a lot of people there for men. Unfortunately, if a man has to go through something, he has to go through it alone. You go to the hospital and you say you're struggling, they'll sit you down and say, oh, what's going on?

"Oh, we think you should have a consultation with your GP or anything. But no one's willing to sit down and actually listen properly and say, okay, you know what, maybe you're just going through a rough patch in life. How can we support you through this? Not everything has to be about money. Sometimes people are just lonely. They need a companion.”