Shoplifting - Increased theft from shops and in some cases threats/violence towards hardworking staff who work in them.

In our area, shoplifting has been flagged as a high concern, especially in retail outlets where incidents are frequent Shop staff and shoppers have voiced their unease, making it essential to address both prevention and the perception of safety. In response, PCSOs have and will be upping their presence in critical retail zones with regular foot patrols and engagement. They work closely with retailers to offer reassurance, share crime prevention advice and urge timely reporting of incidents.

Anti–social behaviour - Youth related ASB / vehicle use such as speeding, E-scooters and poor driving / Use of catapults / use of face covering in particular balaclavas

Targeted foot patrols have been deployed in areas identified as anti-social hotspots. Engaging with youths to be able to redirect young people towards youth centres, sport clubs, and community volunteering opportunities.
Enforcement has also been stepped up via Public Space Protection Orders, prohibiting the possession of items like catapults or face covering used with criminal intent. This multifaceted response has led to marked decline in anti-social behaviour, while boosting both community confidence and coordinated action with businesses.

Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) - Areas that the community tell us they feel unsafe / inappropriate or unpleasant behaviour / sexual offences /domestic abuse

Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)- High visibility patrols in hotspot locations where women and girls have reported feeling unsafe, whilst also identifying locations through reported incidents. Planning to deliver talks and attending community engagement events in mosques, women’s groups, and local community centres to raise awareness, build trust, and encourage reporting. Licensing checks at premises have been planned for July, whilst also working closely with licensed premises to encourage reporting and identifying any VAWG related incidents.

Drug related harm - Targeting drug dealers and associated violence in particular knife crime.

Using intelligence to target dealers and dismantle drug line networks, using overt/covert police action.
Warrants at houses/premises used for supply/production of drugs.
Proactive policing operations in areas known for drug supply.
Knife prevention and education action.
In the past year we have charged to court/cautioned or taken other out of court action for 230 offences and carried out at least one drugs related warrant a month on average.

Serious acquisitive crime : Burglary/Robbery - Burglary from residential properties. Street robberies.

Proactive policing operations in areas known for these offences.
Overt/covert policing operations against known offenders and orgainised crime groups.
Crime prevention and engagement with residents to help prevent the crime happening and recover stolen property.
Through our focused action on residential burglary we have seen a 20% reduction in offences and we have detected 18% this year compared to 2.6% last year.