Crime in Gloucestershire has fallen significantly over the past twelve months, according to the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Chris Nelson.
Speaking at a meeting of the Gloucestershire Police and Crime Panel today, Mr Nelson revealed that overall criminality in the county is down 10% compared with this time last year.
While national data also showed increases in specific categories such as vehicle theft, robbery, sexual offences and racially or religiously aggravated offences, Mr Nelson explained that these rises reflect improvements in how Gloucestershire Constabulary records crimes reported by the public.
“Just like the stock market, crime figures go up and down and make for an interesting headline. But the important statistic is that across Gloucestershire, crime is down and continues to fall,” he said.
Mr Nelson highlighted the success of the Constabulary’s Safer Streets Summer Initiative, which saw more officers deployed on foot patrol across towns in the county. The initiative took a no-nonsense approach to tackling anti-social behaviour, street drinking, drug dealing and the illegal use of e-scooters and e-bikes.
“Throughout the summer we have had significantly more officers on foot patrol in our towns, taking a no-nonsense approach to crime and anti-social behaviour,” Mr Nelson said. “Shoplifting remains a work in progress, with operations planned to target offenders fuelling addiction habits. But all in all, it has been a very positive summer period of action, leading to less crime and safer communities.”
