We have received the following letter from the top Police Officer in Bath and North East Somerset, Chief Superintendent Gary Davies:

Dear Colleague

-7.4% crime reduction compared to last year
36.5% detection rate
86% customer satisfaction rate

As we entered an economic recession I think most of us anticipated an upward shift in crime levels. On reflection that was probably a little naive to have expected it to occur so soon. With more consideration the greatest risk of it happening is toward the latter end of the recession when some of the more negative aspects such as unemployment have reached their peak.

Currently, however, the levels of crime continue to decline with very positive downward trends in many key areas. With five months of the year gone we are showing an overall reduction in crime of 7.4% compared to last year. Reductions in burglary, and vehicle crime also continue their steep decline.

Out of curiosity I decided to compare this five month period with a period eight years ago when crime was higher. The results are quite remarkable and should instil some confidence in people that the community we now live in suffers far less in these crime types than in years gone by.

Type of crime 2001
April – September 2009
April – September Percentage
Reduction

All crime
6,007 crimes
4,138 crimes
30%

Theft of motor vehicles
422 crimes
113 crimes
73%

Theft from motor vehicles
828 crimes
234 crimes
72%

House burglary
581 crimes
210 crimes
64%

It is important that we hold on to, and sustain, these levels of reductions. Almost 2,000 less victims of crime in a five month period compared to eight years ago is a major success.

We have seen a considerable improvement in the service we provide victims of crime. As a consequence the feedback surveys have started to reflect improved satisfaction. I have now implemented improvements to the service we provide to people contacting us about antisocial behaviour issues and ensuring they receive follow up information about what happened and an offer to meet someone from the Neighbourhood Team.

I very much hope that this new initiative will enhance the service we provide and reassure people that we are trying to do something about the issues that matter to them the most. As soon as I get results on this work I will feed them back to you.

Kind regards.

Gary Davies
Chief Superintendent
B&NES District Commander