Cuts, migration or not enough jail time: What's to blame for the rise in crime?

From police cuts to weak sentences to government austerity, readers have been having their say on what they think is to blame for the rise in crime.

New figures show that crime has increased by eight per cent in the West Midlands over the last year, with notable spikes in violent crimes and burglaries.

And the experience of Express & Star readers backs up the official statistics, with four out of five readers reporting that the level of crime in their area has gone up over the last year.

Of the more than 1,300 people who voted in the online poll, 86 per cent believed that crime has got worse where they live.

And readers have been busy discussing the reasons for the increase in offending - pointing the finger at cuts to police, inadequate sentences and government austerity.

• MORE: Huge spike in robberies and violence as crime rate soars

• MORE: Police chief - We can’t cope with crime levels

• MORE: Crimes that shamed the West Midlands

Possession of a weapon offences are up by 17 per cent and robberies are up by 14 per cent, while separate figures released last month showed a big increase in knife crime, with seven offences a day in the region involving a blade.

Meanwhile morale among officers is at rock bottom, the national terror threat remains severe and West Midlands Police faced a backlog of 2,000 calls last week due to 'unprecedented demand'.

Here's what Express & Star readers have had to say:

Many people believe police cuts have had a direct impact on crime, particularly due to the lower number of officers and PCSOs on the street.

Since 2010 West Midlands Police has had more than £140 million cut from its budget and lost 2,000 officers, while in 2015/16, Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson closed down 27 police buildings.

Ken Parry: "We don't see any police presence on the streets of our towns and villages anymore. Government cuts have seen this country turn lawless."

Mark Joynes: "You don't see police patrolling no more. Unlike 10 years ago you always seen them round town or parks etc."

Sharmwolf: "Hands up those that didn't see this coming? You can't sack thousands of police officers and close dozens of police stations and expect anything else."

Rob Adams: "If there is less police, there is more crime. Wow... What genius found that out?"

John Davenport: "Mrs May, as home secretary, is as much to blame as anyone."

Another much-cited theme is the potential for harsher sentences from judges. On almost every crime story shared by the Express & Star, commenters question what they regard as leniency from the judicial system.

But would tougher sentences actually help to prevent crime?

Mark Badger: "It`s the sentencing that is the biggest problem, too many walk away with a slap on the hand."

Stephanie Murphy: "Unless the punishment actually matches the crime, as in a life for a life, it will just carry on. Our justice system is an absolute joke."

benji: "A toothless judicial system, overcrowded prisons and a beleaguered police force mean it will only get worse."

Ena Stokes: "All well and good having a decent set of laws, but the implementation of them is a real farce."

potter81: "The lad in Tipton who stabbed a bloke twice outside a social club was completely let off because 'he felt bad about doing it' police and the CPS are giving violent criminals a free pass, hence the increase in violent crime. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out does it."

Aside from the police and justice system, are other government policies leading to an increase in crime?

Many readers blame the general increase in population - particularly with migrants arriving from overseas - while others ascribe the problem to austerity.

Who cares what you think: "Higher population, less police, quite logical really."

Steve Chadwick: "Austerity that's the cause."

Angela Hales: "This government should be ashamed"

benji: "When people have nothing to lose they have everything to gain."

A Lone Voice: "Statistics reported from other nations that show increases in criminality have risen with the number of 'refugees' accepted living in those countries."

Michael Bowen: "Might it be to do with migrants coming to the country from less passive societies, and finding that the UK may be wealthy but still doesn't mean your going to be wealthy working minimum wage, zero hours, or self employed contracts. It's not more police needed, it's better behaved population, it's a change in society."

Perhaps what concerns readers most of all is the prevalence of knife crime.

The scale of the problem was demonstrated this week, with a stab murder in Birmingham and a slashing in Wolverhampton.

Two knives were seized off teenagers just hours after the latter attack, which happened as children were walking home from primary school.

Christina Bridgman: "Tougher sentences for these muppets who think it's OK to carry knives! It's sickening I fear for my kids growing up into this society."

Sue Jenkins: "Laws need changing now. Anyone who uses a knife should be charged with attempted murder nothing less. These kids going round stabbing others need a tough lesson no matter what age they are."

John Everest: "All the kids are carrying knifes. Becoming worrying."

Kaye Williams: "Unfortunately knives are readily available almost anywhere and they have become a necessity to carry around in some people's lives. Can't see where this will ever end."

What do you think? Have your say in the comments section below.