Crime Log: November 2009

Release Date: November 2009

Comments from Partnership Inspector Glen Mayhew;

After a well attended ‘Not in my Neighbourhood’ week where partnership agencies of Safer Communities; Torbay Council, Police, Fire, Health and Probation were involved in several initiatives aimed at engaging the public in the work that is continually going on in the bay to ensure their safety and protection, we can reveal that the hard work is continuing to pay off and the figures are showing Torbay’s multi-agency approach to Crime Prevention is indeed a successful mechanism.

Activities throughout the week included Street Surgeries, Community Walks, Community Bonfire / Firework Safety events, Crime Prevention Audits, Home Fire Safety Visits, Anti-social Driving operations and Drugs warrants. Many of which go on un-noticed, behind the scenes all year round. By bringing them together into one week of action and by involving the public it is hoped that they will be less reluctant to engage with the services and be spurred on into taking action against Crime and Anti-social behaviour in their own neighbourhoods.

Overall the results continue to highlight that Torbay is a safe place to live and for people to enjoy their holidays. The reduction in total crime evidences the success we have had in targeting prolific offenders.

The impact of domestic burglary lasts long past any investigation and this particular crime remains a very clear priority for us. By the specific targeting of suspects we have seen a significant improvement with our detection rate in Torbay, in fact our detection rate is far higher than the Devon and Cornwall average which will hopefully reassure victims that we are convicting the offenders responsible and ensuring that they are also convicted for as many previous offences committed as possible.

All victims are supported by a dedicated team and receive crime prevention advice, along with their neighbours, in order to make it difficult for any repeat offences in the locality.

Crime prevention work cannot be undervalued and is now delivered via a number of channels, focusing especially on our vulnerable residents to assist them in making their homes safer.

The continuing decrease in Anti-Social Behaviour reports reflects the good work that is being carried out by all agencies across the bay. Tackling ASB remains a priority, and can often take a longer period of time to resolve. Reassuringly, public feedback to various initiatives has been positive, especially Safer Communities recent mail-out of the ASB case study video accompanied by a tea bag with the strapline ‘Sit down with a cuppa and find out what Safer Communities Torbay is doing about anti-social behaviour in YOUR neighbourhood’. Comments from residents included “it warms the heart” and “great idea to get the message across” . To receive a copy of the DVD please email scatt@torbay.gov.uk or call 01803 841274.

Our efforts with those who drive in an anti-social and dangerous manner has also been the subject of real focus by our neighbourhood policing teams. Operation Hawkshead has seen regular deployment of resources to target poor driving, whist Operation Utah saw Police, DVLA, HM Customs and Excise and Council officers combine their powers and make use of latest technology to take dangerous and illegal vehicles off the roads.

Safer Communities Torbay’s Anti-Begging initiative, heavily supported by Torbay Council and local Neighbourhood Policing teams has seen a dramatic reduction in aggressive beggars in our town centres. Not only have efforts been made to deal with the criminal issues, but by making the use of Anti-Social Behaviour legislation and working closely with our multi-agency partners we are tackling the underlying causes of this behaviour. In particular we have been focusing on engaging beggars with the support services that are available, giving them the opportunity to address the social problems that may be the cause of them begging.

The response we have been getting from residents when engaging with them has been invaluable in tackling Crime and Disorder across the Bay and we would urge the public to continue coming forward, taking a stand against that small minority of individuals who insist on disrupting life for others on a daily basis.

ENDS

• Crime Log
  Details of the crime level statistics for Torbay (November 2009).
  Last updated: 30/04/2010 (45 KB)