This in from Hampshire police in their own words. Ed
Crime fell in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for a sixth year in a row as police vow to ensure the force area remains a hostile place for criminals.
The total number of offences recorded by Hampshire Constabulary in 2012/13 was 108,745, a drop of 15 per cent on the previous year.
Chief Constable Andy Marsh is praising the work of police officers, police staff, police volunteers and local people in helping to keep communities safe.
Comparing 2012/13 with 2011/12:
- total crime fell 15 per cent from 128,690 to 108,745 offences
- serious violent crime fell 21 per cent from 803 to 631 offences
- burglaries, robberies and vehicle crime fell 22 per cent from 15,589 to 12,180 offences
- the total solved crime rate remains at the same at 31 per cent
Marsh: “My intention to continue to drive down crime levels”
Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “I took up the post of chief constable in February and it is my intention to continue to drive down crime levels and ensure these positive results continue. I am clear, however, that there is no room for complacency, particularly with further challenges ahead for the police service.
“I am passionate about ensuring we provide policing that has exceptional leadership at all levels which will make Hampshire and the Isle of Wight a place where people will always feel safe to live, work and visit.
“Our aims are to protect the people we serve from those who would cause them harm by making our two counties a hostile environment for criminals. The continued reduction in total crime across the force is testament to the tireless dedication, commitment, hard work and ‘one team’ approach of my officers, staff and volunteers against a backdrop of cuts and financial restraint.
“Burglary, thefts from vehicles and robbery have been a particular focus of the force in recent years, and I am pleased to see we’ve sustained a drop in these offences.
“It’s the people who report crime, provide information and assist with our enquiries who are key to our success and putting victims and communities at the heart of everything we do is paramount.”
Hayes: “It creates even greater challenges for the year ahead”
Simon Hayes, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, said: “I would like to congratulate the constabulary on the past year’s performance which has seen crime levels fall for the sixth consecutive year. Whilst this has resulted in further reductions in those crimes that have the greatest impact on our communities, it creates even greater challenges for the year ahead.
“In this respect I have confidence that my Police and Crime Plan will meet those challenges although it becomes increasingly difficult with the further budgetary cuts the constabulary has to make. By working closely with the chief constable, the Community Safety Partnerships and other key stakeholders, it is my desire to maintain these low crime levels and reduce them still further.”
Working with Independent Advisory Groups
Hampshire Constabulary regular works with independent advisory groups (IAGs) which are made up of members of the community and which help the force understand local issues. The Chairman of the Force Strategic IAG, Hugh Oliver-Bellasis said: “The work of the independent advisory groups is vital to ensure the Hampshire police force delivers the best service to the public.
“Independent Advisory Groups are in a position to advise officers and police staff what they as members of the public feel and think and where matters are well or poorly executed. During the last year, the Force Strategic IAG has given assistance in a variety of areas including Stop and Search, the review of Neighbourhood Policing and highlighting the importance of rural policing.
“The force is continually seeking to improve and IAGs help that process.”
