South Gloucestershire | Archive | 2005 | November | 5
From the archive, first published Saturday 5th Nov 2005.
Crime detection rates: (April 2004 - March 2005)
* Domestic burglary: 11.7 percent * Robbery: 14.5 percent * Theft of motor vehicles: 10.3 percent * Theft from motor vehicles: 6.4 percent Total recorded crime: 16.8 percent
(April 2005 - September 2005)
* Domestic burglary: 18.7 percent * Robbery: 16.8 percent * Theft of motor vehicles: 14.0 percent * Theft from motor vehicles: 9.1 percent Total recorded crime: 22.8 percent
RESULTS FOR AVON and SOMERSET
Performance Area Delivery Direction
Reducing Crime Fair Improved Investigating Crime Poor Improved Promoting Safety Good Stable Providing Assistance Good Stable Citizen Focus Fair Stable Resource Use Good Improved Local Policing Good Improved
AVON and Somerset Police are amongst the worst performers in investigating crime in England and Wales, a report has revealed.
The report, released by the Home Office Standards Unit and Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary, gave a mixed assessment of the Avon and Somerset Constabulary's performance in 2004.
Assessing and assigning grades, from excellent to poor, to seven key areas in the police force (see results table), the report concluded that the performance of Avon and Somerset last year was between good and fair.
Although the force scored highly in four of the seven key areas, the overall grade was pulled down due to the poor standard of crime investigations. Chief Constable Colin Port acknowledged the grades but insisted that the force had improved since the assessments were made.
"I accept that, in relation to the volume of crime investigations, the force performance in that period was poor but I am pleased to say that we have almost doubled the detection rates from this time last year," he said.
This is backed up the latest figures which show a rise in crime detection rates from 16.8 percent last year, when the assessment was taken, to 22.8 percent this September.
"Since my arrival in Avon and Somerset at the beginning of 2005 it has been my aim to improve the detection rates across the force as well as maintaining the high levels of crime reduction," Mr Port continued.
Despite the disappointing grade for investigating crime, Mr Port still remains optimistic about the report.
"Overall I am pleased with the number of good grades, particularly in relation to neighbourhood policing and community engagement, working with partners, investigating major and serious crime and promoting public safety and reassurance," he said.
"These are core policing services to the public and show a high standard of delivery to our communities."
Dr Moira Hamlin, chairman of the Avon and Somerset Police Authority, said the force valued the police performance reports and was keen to learn from them.
"It is important to be able to see, through these assessments, where our improvements need to be focused," she emphasised.
"We have to ensure we deliver on all aspects of this work for the benefit of our communities and to ensure that taxpayers' receive a value for money policing service."
Following the report, Mr Port is aiming to improve policing in Avon and Somerset still further.
"We have a good track record and reputation of working with our communities and partners to reduce crime and tackle offenders," he said "I now want to strengthen that even further through strong neighbourhood policing and ensuring that the constabulary is able to provide a full range of protective services in the 21st century."
© Newsquest Media Group 2008