Norfolk: Crime Figures

19 April 2012, 12:34

Norfolk's Chief Constable Phil Gormley has welcomed recently released results showing a significant reduction in crime and anti-social behaviour across the county.

With overall crime down by 2.5% compared to the previous year, highlighted in particular is an 8% fall in those crimes which cause most harm to the public and which are dealt with as a priority by police. 

The latest set of figures, for the period April 2011/12*, demonstrate a significant reduction in house burglaries (21%) and vehicle crime (14%), along with a 24% reduction in reported levels of antisocial behaviour.   

"These figures show we have had an exceptional year in driving down crime and catching more offenders and improving the quality of life for the public in Norfolk," said Mr Gormley. 

"In human terms this represents 1,075 fewer people who haven't had their lives blighted as victims of crime." 

"I am immensely proud of the men and women I lead who despite huge financial pressure and an increasingly difficult policing environment continue to improve the service we deliver." 

"We will never become complacent in our approach to keeping Norfolk a safe place to live, work and visit.  In 2012/13 we will be looking to consolidate on this performance whilst focusing on working with partners to tackle some of the problems associated with the night time economy and reduce the violence too often associated with alcohol abuse." 

"The coming year presents some unique policing challenges, such as the Olympics, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and significant changes to policing nationally.  However, I have every confidence in my officers and staff that we can build upon these fantastic results." 

In the past 12 months, a number of changes have been implemented to maintain the performance of front-line services while meeting the cost-savings requirement as a result of Government spending cuts. 

This has included a redesign of Norfolk's 49 Safer Neighbourhood Teams, collaborative work with Suffolk Constabulary to strengthen a range of specialist services and the introduction of multi-agency Operational Partnership Teams (OPTs) at district level to co-ordinate interventions and response to anti-social behaviour.

Phil Gormley talks to Heart:

Phil Gormley is the Chief Constable for Norfolk