19 January 2011: Report of the District Partnership Lead - Chris Davis

Performance

Results so far this year are somewhat mixed but again need to be set against the record low levels of crime and fear of crime set in 2009/10.

On the positive side robberies are still down 26.8% and the problems of false reporting are being addressed. The number of homes burgled has increased recently in Brunswick but overall still remains improved on last year by 28.4% (down 140). Vehicle crime also has reduced by 11.5% (down by 96) although vehicle theft has increased. Some prolific offenders are in custody and effective management will be needed as they are released into the community.

In October serious violence had increased by 35.0% on the same period last year and an action plan initiated. This is already showing some results as the latest figure has reduced to 22.5% (up 80 offences).  The target of 45% of detections of serious violent crime is now only 1.6% short of the latest figure of 43.4%.

Violent Crime Reduction Plan 2010/11

This new initiative covering a whole series of actions mostly based in Leamington Spa continues to progress.

A very successful Warwick District Licencing Seminar was held at the Spa Centre on 8 December. Over 120 people, including myself, were in attendance including the majority of local licencees of bars and clubs. A series of fictional but realistic scenarios were acted out by volunteers to illustrate the often devastating impacts of violent crime on victims, licencees, police, ambulance and hospital staff.

Further initiatives are planned including the involvement of a Home Office based Alcohol Reduction Strategy Team. They will act as mentors in licensing inspections as an enabling step towards the attainment of Purple Flag healthy town centre status.

A further round  of  “Your Town, Your Choice” took place on Saturday 18 December with full police activity and licencing visits but participation of partners was restricted due to the snowy conditions.

Crime Detection Improvement Plan

This continues with the Violent Crime Action Team now having eight staff members working on some 50 live investigations. The 45% detection target is a realistic objective.

Community Forums / SNPs

Priorities / issues across the eight areas are as follows

An issue is arising as to whether these priorities are being squeezed out as the Forums expand their roles into setting and deciding on wider County and District initiatives and priorities.

Southern Criminal Justice Centre

The new centre is now up and running with all partners and Courts operational.  A major trial is now underway in the Crown Court area with 12 defendants. As many as 800 people are being received on a daily basis, over twice as many as at the Northern Justice centre

Kenilworth Front Desk

Police front desk enquiry facilities including the reporting of crime and ASB incidents are to move shortly to the library next door in Kenilworth. This will enable all local public services to be efficiently integrated together whether for Police, County or District and will also enable the release of the police station for other purposes.

Reactive Team Activity

A bold attempt to rob a security guard at the cash machine at Tesco in North Leamington was foiled by CCTV on 17 December. Some of the perpetrators abandoned their getaway car and escaped on foot across the local residential area and a helicopter and large reactive team were immediately deployed. A house-to-house search ensued and I had the unusual task of conducting officers to the rear bedroom of my property to see if any tracks were visible in the snow!

Chris Davis

Warwick District
Police Authority District Partnership Lead