Home Office figures show crime down 4.9 in Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan
Date Published: 23/07/2012
Central BCU Crime Figures Fallen
LATEST Home Office crime figures show that crime in Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan has fallen by 4.9 per cent in the past twelve months- resulting in 744 fewer victims of crime in the area.
Annual crime figures released by the Home Office for the 12-month period up to the end of March 2012 show significant reductions in burglary (down 5.7 per cent), auto crime (down 7 per cent) and criminal damage (down 13.1 per cent).
Police Commander of Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan, Chief Superintendent Liane James, said: “Once again this is good news for the people of Bridgend and the Vale as crime continues to fall, ensuring the region remains a safe place to live, work and visit.
“These figures are very much a testimony to the hard work and dedication of all our staff, together with our partners Safer Bridgend and Safer Vale who play a key role in reducing crime across the area.”
“We must also recognise our communities for their role in reducing crime, as it is the information we receive from members of the public that can really make a difference.”
Key operations over the past twelve months which have helped contribute to the fall in crime include:
• Operation Atlas: this operation resulted in £43,000 worth of drugs being taken off the streets of Bridgend and the Vale, 14 arrests, the recovery of £5000 in cash and the seizure of seven vehicles.
• Operation Raven: this ongoing Bridgend town centre partnership operation sees Bridgend Neighbourhood Policing Team, the Safer Bridgend Community Safety Partnership and the Public Protection Department at Bridgend County Borough Council tackling issues within the late night economy. The team’s efforts have resulted in a significant reduction in the number of assaults, with Home Office figures predicting savings of over one million pound to the public, and a further £100,000 in policing costs since Raven launched approximately 18 months ago.
• Operation Weather: the operation ran over the summer months in the Barry Island areas in order to tackle anti-social behaviour and keep summertime visitors and the local community safe. The success of the operation has seen its re-launch for summer 2012.
In addition to operational activities, a number of long-term partnership initiatives have also been launched, including the Neighbourhood Networks programme where organisations such as the local authority, Fire Service and South Wales Police come together to tackle local issues.
In Porthcawl, the programme has seen the development of a close working relationship between the local policing team and Park Dean Trecco Bay to reduce anti-social behaviour and provide personal and property safety advice to guests.
Chief Superintendent James continued: “We will continue to put our communities at the heart of what we do and work closely with our partners to tackle the issues that matter most to the people of Bridgend and the Vale.
“Although these latest figures are very encouraging we will not become complacent. There is still much work to be done in order to further reduce crime and ensure the streets of Bridgend and the Vale remain safe.”