Crime figures released suggest a fall in anti-social behaviour incidents across the county of Norfolk. The quarterly report from the Home Office shows a 30 per cent reduction in anti-social behaviour and a 2pc drop in crime overall in the 12-month period between April 2011 and 2012.
With a crime rate of 49 in 1000 of the population against a national average of 72/1000, Norfolk remains one of the safest places to live in the country.
Norfolk Constabulary’s focus on those crimes which cause most harm to the community is reflected in reductions in burglary (14pc) and vehicle crime (13pc).
The figures reflect increases in violent crime and serious sexual offences, both of which remain priority crime categories in the county. In both instances, recorded offences have seen significant reductions since April.
Deputy Chief Constable Simon Bailey said: “These figures provide a helpful benchmark and people living and visiting the county should be reassured that it remains a very safe place and crime continues on a downwards trend despite a backdrop of police budget and resource cuts.
“It is particularly pleasing to see the reduction of 30pc in anti-social behaviour (ASB), against a national average of 16pc. This is testament to the hard work and innovation shown by police, partners and our local communities working together.
He added: “We recognise there is more work to be done and will continue to focus our efforts on those offences that cause most harm or are agreed policing priorities, with the aim of protecting people from becoming victims or being affected by crime.”
The figures, compiled by the Office of National Statistics, show a reduction in all crime categories in Norfolk with the exception of violence against the person, serious sexual offences, theft other and drugs offences.
In Norfolk, drugs offences are treated as a ‘preventative crime’ and police officers are encouraged to take proactive measures to combat drug crime and identify offenders.
‘Violence against the person’ comprises a spectrum of offences from very low level assaults to the most serious. Serious violent crime is subject to a pro-active and wide-ranging crime prevention strategy with a focus on reducing alcohol-fuelled violent crime in Norfolk’s night-time economy.
In June, Norfolk and Suffolk police launched a joint public awareness campaign ‘Time to Stop’ to prevent rape and violent crime across the counties and sign-post victims to local support and services.
Stephen Bett, Chairman of Norfolk Police Authority, said “These figures relate to performance up to the 31st March 2012 and are good. However, we have moved on, and I am pleased to say that the figures for the first three months of this new year, show a continuous improvement in most areas of priority crime particularly in the categories of burglary and violence. The significant improvement in antisocial behaviour (ASB) figures are especially to be welcomed. This achievement is highly creditable when set against reducing budgets and reflects a very positive approach by the Constabulary’s personnel at all levels and I thank them for this.”
And in Suffolk, figures for the first quarter of 2012/13 show that crime in Suffolk has dropped by 13pc compared with the previous year. The figures from April to June 2012 show that 10,491 crimes were recorded, a drop of 1633.
This continues the trend reported in April of this year, showing that crime in the county has been falling for six consecutive years. These figures are set against the difficult financial backdrop faced by Suffolk Police, which in the last year alone has made savings of £5m.
Figures suggest that robbery is down by 21pc, an improvement from April’s end of year figures, which had shown an increase. Tackling robbery is a force priority, and a specialist team, dedicated to targeting those committing street robberies in Ipswich, was set up towards the end of 2011.
Sexual offences reduced by 8.1pc, and work continues to reduce crime in this area. Norfolk and Suffolk Police recently launched a joint campaign to raise awareness of this type of crime, with over 1000 people viewing the campaign’s short film on the subject.
Other priority areas for the constabulary, based on public concerns, are crimes involving violence with injury, which have seen a drop of 9.8pc and improving the ‘solved rate’ of crimes such as burglary, robbery and serious sexual offences. The number of ‘solved’ crimes in relation to robbery has increased, but has decreased in relation to domestic burglary. Dedicated work, such as continuing the use of ‘Smartwater’ will be carried out in this area.
Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Tim Newcomb said: “It is very pleasing to see that for the first quarter of this year, which we have entered having made substantial cuts to departments across the constabulary, crime has significantly dropped.
“We are working hard to ensure that whilst we strive to meet the large financial savings required of us, which amount to some £17.7m by 2014/15, we maintain a visible frontline policing presence and continue to keep our county safe.
“A significant proportion of the savings made so far have been possible as a result of our extensive collaborative work with Norfolk Constabulary. The effectiveness of this work has recently been praised in parliament. By collaborating over both operational policing units and business support functions, we have been able to find the savings required, whilst protecting frontline policing, which we know is of the utmost importance to our communities.
“We will not become complacent however, and we recognise the huge challenge ahead of us as we continue to make savings whilst providing a first class service. We have successfully re-organised local policing to ensure we are getting the most possible from our resources, and we continue to look for new ways to improve services whilst creating efficiencies.”
Chairman of Suffolk Police Authority, Joanna Spicer said: “This is very encouraging news, particularly in the environment of extreme financial challenges that we currently face. A 13pc drop in crime across the county for the first part of this year is a very positive outcome, which I feel reflects our continued endeavours to secure an efficient and effective policing service for Suffolk and remain one of the lowest cost forces in the country.”
