Today, all councillors received this letter from the most Senior Police Officer in Bath & North East Somerset:

Total crime reduction (-11.4%) compared to last year
Crime detection (36.1%)
Customer satisfaction – last year 84.6%, this year 87%

A Police year is from April to March and so we have just finished the 2009/10 crime year. I am pleased to tell you that our results are excellent and I am delighted with the progress that we have made or contributed towards.

Overall crime across B&NES has reduced by 11.4% which means that this year we have 1406 less victims of crime. It also means that the reduction of crime in our area has significantly reduced over the last few years to the point where we are seeing crime at its lowest for decades.

There is, as always, some cynicism over statistics and I try not to use them very often and I also know that perceptions can be important and sometimes more powerful than the reality. Crime reported to the Police is never the full picture but our experience does tell us that generally if you have your house broken into or your car stolen then nearly everyone does report it. I do take heart when I also see that house burglaries in B&NES have reduced from 687 last year to 498 this year, a reduction of 27.5%. This means that 189 less houses were broken into. Last year we had 355 theft of motor vehicles whilst this year that figure has reduced by a staggering 35.5% to 229, therefore 126 less victims of crime. We also saw a very significant reduction in the theft from motor vehicles.

Whilst we had a small reduction in violent crime, it is still quite clear that violence is far too prevalent and there is still much to do.

The level of crime detection across B&NES has also reached the highest level it has been with a total detection rate of 36.1%, some 4.5% higher than last year and by far the highest in the Constabulary.

Throughout the year we have had a significant campaign on improving follow-up information to victims of crime. Our success or failure is measured in satisfaction surveys which are sent out. I am equally delighted with the results we have achieved.

Customer satisfaction for follow-up information to victims of crime:

Burglary last year 70%, this year 78.9% – an increase of 8.9%
Vehicle Crime last year 60%, this year 80% – an increase of 20%
Violent crime last year 75.4%, this year 82% – an increase of 8.6%
Hate Crime last year 60.8%, this year 79.1% – an increase of 18.3%
Anti-social Behaviour last year 44%, this year 59.7% – an increase of 15.7%

Our overall customer satisfaction has risen from 84.6% to 87%.

I am sorry to use so many facts and figures but it is difficult to get over such meaningful information in any other way. This is a very good picture for all who live, work or visit B&NES and whilst much has been achieved, as always we are not complacent and there is much to do. I would like to thank our partner agencies who have helped in so many different ways, especially B&NES Council and in particular the Community Safety Team.

The year ahead has many challenges, amongst them is sustaining our current position, continuing to reduce crime and building the trust and confidence of our community.

Yours sincerely

Gary Davies
Chief Superintendent
B&NES District Commander