PCC praises progress of police’s new operating model with crime rates down and 101 service improving

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has praised Chief Constable Scott Chilton for the Constabulary’s performance this year since he took up post and introduced a new operating model to deliver a better service to the public.

The recognition comes after the Commissioner reviewed the progress of the force earlier this month. The data revealed crime has reduced and more people are being charged, compared to this time last year.

Burglary has reduced by 13.8%, serious violence has decreased by 14%, anti-social behaviour is down 17.9% and domestic abuse has reduced 15.3%.

Overall crime has reduced 6.6%, which amounts to 7,891 less crimes than last year.

Whilst shoplifting has increased, those being charged or summonsed to court has increased by 77.6%, reflecting the force’s re-focus on crimes affecting communities.

There are also significant improvements in the 101 service. Callers have often reported having to wait a long time for someone to answer their 101 call. However, November saw the average wait time was 7m 25secs, when compared to 23mins in June.

Speaking on the improvements, Donna Jones said: “These improvements are down to the changes the Chief Constable has made to the operating model since he began work earlier this year.

“His back to basics approach means there is less crime and more people facing justice which is exactly what the public want.

“I’m delighted to see a significant drop in serious violence and burglary, however I apply caution to the drop in domestic crimes as I know how hard it is for victims to make reports. I will be monitoring this reduction in the months ahead. As Commissioner, I will ensure there is independent support for survivors in place across the two counties for those seeking help but who are not ready to talk to the police.

“The drop in 101 call waiting times however is promising and I hope to continue to see improvements into 2024.

“Significantly, those charged with burglary has increased 32.5% compared to last year. The commitment to attend 100% of burglaries is working and these numbers are promising. There is still a long way to go but these signs are very encouraging.

“This is a trajectory we want to stay on.”

Key takeaways 

• 112,153 crimes recorded so far this year which is a decrease of 6.6% (-7,891) on last year
• Charge 7.4% charge/summons rate, up 1.8% on the same period last year
• Burglaries are down 13.8% (this year to date 5,053, last year 5,860)
• Burglary charges are up 32.5% (this year 355, last year 268)
• Domestic abuse has decreased 15.3% compared to the same period last year (this year 17,477, last year 20,640)
• Serious violence has decreased 14% compared to the same period last year (808 recorded incidents so far this year, 939 last year)