Police takes extra measures to tackle crime increase

Official crime statistics from the Office of National Statistics show that between October 2012 and September 2013 the number of offences in certain areas increased.

During this time Nottinghamshire, like many other counties, has seen a rise in the number of shoplifting offences (up 752 offences), robberies (an increase of 162 offences), burglaries at people’s homes (up 381 offences), and violence with injury offences (an increase of 1321 crimes).

Increased publicity about sexual offence allegations against Jimmy Savile and other high profile cases is also thought to have helped increase public confidence and encouraged more reporting, with an increase of 258 offences.

Last year the force identified an increase in the number of violence offences, and launched the Alliance Against Violence campaign to target known offenders through weeks of action as well as the proactive step to get organisations and individuals to sign up to take a stand against violence. A knife amnesty was also held which removed 278 potential weapons from the streets.

Criminal damage and arson offences, bike thefts, and vehicle offences, where thieves either steal property from inside vehicles or steal the vehicles themselves, have continued to fall, and all crime has fallen by 1% (935 offences).

Targeted activity and different tactics continue to pay off, with crimes between October and December last year falling.

DCC Sue Fish said: “Last summer we knew that crime had increased and we had to act quickly to ensure that we gripped these emerging issues and targeted our resources. We have to change the way we work to ensure the right people are doing the right job at the right time.

“We have introduced a dedicated mobile phone unit to help fast-track and identify stolen phones, who are also working to reduce the market for stolen goods and encourage people to register their property through the Immobilise database.

“With additional food banks being required across the country, it is evident that the economic climate has impacted on some people being able to afford basic provisions, which goes some way to explain the increase in shoplifting offences. However, we are taking the national lead in this area, and are working with some of the major retailers both locally and nationally to reduce crime, and to ensure persistent offenders are targeted, offer support where appropriate or are dealt with by the courts.

“These tactics along with many others, and close partnership working with other agencies, is beginning to reap the rewards with crime reducing between October and December.

“We know we face a difficult time with more anticipated budget cuts over the next few years, and we will need to change our workforce mix to ensure we are operating in the most efficient and effective manner. However we remain determined and committed to continue to reduce crime, and will face these challenges head on.”