Crime rate continues to fall, despite people's disbelief
POLICE have reassured residents of North East Lincolnshire that crime is continuing to fall.
New figures reveal that overall crime in the area fell by 13 per cent between April 1, 2008, and March 31, 2009.
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Chief Insp Andy Oliver is pleased at the reduction in crime in North East Lincolnshire.
However, when released on www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk, the figures were met with disbelief.
John Marlowe, Grimsby, posted: "Why do they bother releasing what are blatantly misleading figures?
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"Confidence in the Police is at an all time low, and I would estimate that something like 90 per cent of lesser offences are not reported, because we know they will not be dealt with in a worthwhile way."
And local resident Sceptic added: "How many of us are victims of crime but don't bother reporting it due to us feeling we won't even get a visit from an officer?
"A concern of mine now, is that if it is seen we have fewer crimes then there may be a move to attempt to reduce the number of real police officers we have now. A worry for all of us, I feel."
Chief Insp Andy Oliver, who heads up neighbourhood policing in the area, said that he believes most people do report crime.
"I go to a lot of public meetings and my understanding is that the vast majority of people report crimes that happen to them," he said.
"Some people may report crimes because they want a number for their insurance, others want us to do something and catch the person responsible, and others just want a visit from us.
"I think the idea that people don't report crime is an urban myth that is picked up by people and takes on a life of it's own."
However, he said that raising public satisfaction and confidence in the police is one of the force's top priorities.
A recent Government survey revealed that Humberside Police has one of the lowest approval ratings in the country, with only 39.2 per cent of people having faith in their ability to deal with crime.
The Government has now said the force must achieve a 50.7 per cent rating by 2011, and a 55.7 per cent rating by 2012.
Chief Insp Oliver added: "If we look at where we were five years ago, crime has reduced dramatically, but people still have a fear of crime, because they see it or read about it on a daily basis.
"There is nowhere near as much crime or anti-social behaviour as there was, but people don't feel that.
"Anti-social behaviour has reduced by almost 50 per cent, which makes the place feel and look better, and means that people will start to feel more confident."
One of the measures aimed at increasing public confidence is the introduction of the national Policing Pledge.
Chief Insp Oliver said: "The pledge gives us something to aspire to, and something we can aim towards, and if we don't do the things it says, then we will explain why."
Comments
by stuart, at home
Tuesday, May 05 2009, 2:03PM
“the crime rate hasnt droped,its just because the police dont do anything about it when you call so people have stopped reporting crime.theres not enough police on the streets,and too many automated revenvue earning cameras.when i have reported a crime all i have ever got is a crime number,and no follow up.”
by very angry, Grimsby
Sunday, May 03 2009, 6:36PM
“Last year my oldest son had his £400 bike stolen from outside the paper shop were he works, the person that stole it was seen and everyone knew his name and address, the police was called. After a quick responce from the police two weeks later! A statement was made at the police station and my son agreed to go to court, then another 3 weeks past and a letter arrived saying that there was lack of evidence and they wont be proseeding any further. How much evidence do they need for gods sake. This year my youngest son got his £300 bike stolen on his paper round, as you cant really lock it outside every house its very hard to keep the bike safe. Yet again the bike was stolen by someone that was known, the police was called and details given then nothing. A few weeks later the bike was seen by my son, so I quickly drove down to the location but by the time I got there it was gone, when I got to were the bike was there was a PCSO passing, I told her what had happend showed her the house were my sons bike was, yet again more details given. And yes you quessed it NOTHING!!!! I think the best thing I could do it throw some litter outside the thiefs house, then there would be a far quicker responce, or should I just bye pass the police and go and kick the thiefs head in instead Then there would be another quick responce. I know they are busy looking good on Sky tv programs showing us all how clever they are. But unless its a murder or drugs bust, or motoring crime they are not intrested in it at all. I have lost all respect for them.”
by Roy, Immingham
Saturday, May 02 2009, 3:10PM
“Of course crime is going down, at least REPORTED crime is. Like me now most people don't bother unless we need a crime number for insurance purposes. Waste of time otherwise”
by Kyle, London (Grimsby born)
Saturday, May 02 2009, 12:49PM
“"With that type of attitude"? What, positive? Perhaps she did drop me on my head, if that's the case maybe some of you need a smack with a hammer, too. And yes, that's EXACTLY why I left Grimsby. How did you guess? Council tax is so much more affordable here.”
by Kyle Forrester, London (Grimsby born)
Saturday, May 02 2009, 12:24PM
“I used to live in Grimsby for 21 years but left last year so I do very much know what its like to live there, and as a first time poster here all I want to say is you guys commenting on how bad the police force are need to GET A CLUE!!! I meet alot of people every day in my line of work, and it's sickening just how many negative people we actually have roaming the streets. Its you people, with your unsupportive, narrow minded lazy opinions which cause the problems in this world, not the police force who have a job with such complexities that you morons couldn't even begin to comprehend. If you have nothing decent to say then just shut up. I'd say I'm glad I left Grimsby to get away from people like YOU, but sadly you find them everywhere. Such is life!”
by bemused, east marsh
Saturday, May 02 2009, 12:08PM
“crime going down what a laugh the crimes are getting worse and the culprits braving more each time only two days ago my rear garden was entered and a twelve foot trampoline dismantled and stole in the night ,it is beyond beggars belief that they had the nerve to sit unscrew it all there was nothing left of it at all i did imform police but still awaiting phone call not there is much they can do waste of time to report it really and a lot of people feel the same round here , whats the point”
by gy, grimsby
Saturday, May 02 2009, 11:54AM
“i think the police should be replaced by the army as the police are useless and a waste of taxpayers money, take the story of a young girl who was shot at a few times by a BB gun and the police didn't even bother coming out till the following day to investigate. no wonder people don't bother reporting stuff nomore to the police there a waste of time”
by Bob, Gy,Lincs
Saturday, May 02 2009, 11:49AM
“Dont these stupid police realise that they have become irrelevant to the majority of citizens and reporting minor assaults and other crime just isnt happening. Maybe thats why the figures are improving?”