Harborough's crime figures are looking good!
Crime across Market Harborough and Lutterworth has fallen by 4.4% - which is 142 fewer victims of crime.The end of year figures show that crime across all offences is down from 3,226 offences to 3,091 Since April 1st 2011 officers at Harborough Local Policing Unit (LPU) are particularly pleased to report a 16.8% reduction in burglaries (33 fewer victims) and a 16.4% reduction in theft from motor vehicle (42 fewer victims). Robbery is down 33% (4 less victims) and violence against the person is down by 9.4% (55 fewer victims).
Anti-social behaviour is also showing a downward trend with figures dropping from 169 complaints in October 2011 to 74 complaints in January 2012 – a reduction of 57%. The customer satisfaction levels for the way in which we deal with anti-social behaviour at Harborough Local Policing Unit remains at over 90%.
Figures also show reductions in drug offences, criminal damage and possession of drugs. Theft of motor vehicle has stayed exactly the same. The only area showing a slight increase is theft store which has seen an increase of 23 offences.
Inspector Paul McKinder, Commander of Harborough Local Policing Unit, said; “I am really delighted that crime is down and I hope people living in the district of Market Harborough feel safer knowing that crime is decreasing not increasing. These figures are really good news.
“The reductions are the result of a lot of hard work and we’ve used a wide range of tactics including a robust approach to dealing with offenders; high visibility policing; covert operations and crime prevention. We are not complacent however and will continue to target the minority of people who commit the majority of crime but we do need the public’s help in this and I would encourage people to call Crimestoppers if they have any information that might help us.
“We cannot fight crime alone and work very closely with a range of partners including the Harborough District Community Safety Partnership which includes representatives from Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service, youth workers, probation officers, health workers, drug intervention officers and housing officers but our key partners are the people who live and work across the district because they can help us as much as anyone in the fight against crime by giving us information and keeping their property and possessions secure.”
Richard Hall, Group Manager South, Leicestershire Fire & Rescue Service and Harborough Community Safety Partnership Vice Chair added; “The crime and anti-social behaviour figures reflect the hard work and commitment of the police and its community safety partners.
“Vulnerability is very high on our agenda for the coming year in so much as how we as Harborough Community Safety Partnership identify those in our community who need the support the most, enabling a joined up approach in improving their health, safety and welfare.
“Road safety has also been an issue, as 36% of all road-related deaths within the whole of Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland last year were in the Harborough district. Persuading drivers to drive at safe speeds requires a mix of enforcement, education and engineering. These can only be delivered effectively by combining our resources, the recent event at Robert Smyth Academy giving a perfect example of changing cognitive behaviours associated with texting, seat belts, speeding and drink/drug driving.”
For up to date information from your local police you can follow your local policing Inspector on Twitter @HarboroughLPU.
