Crime figureshave gone down

Crime has dropped across Sussex by three per cent in the last year according to a new report.

Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne welcomed the figures shown in two reports published this week by Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary.

Mrs Bourne said: “One of the priorities in my Police and Crime Plan is to reduce the recorded crimes per 1,000 population, so I welcome HMIC’s report showing a three percent reduction in overall crime over the past year.

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“Victims of burglary tell me just how intrusive and traumatic it can be so it is reassuring to see house burglary reduced by 14 per cent. HMIC also note Sussex Police achieving reductions in anti-social behaviour, being effectively tackled in collaboration with local partners, with more people confident to report it.”

HMIC highlighted the way domestic abuse is being tackled by Sussex Police.

Mrs Bourne said: “Domestic violence incidents are now dealt with by specialist officers and I have invested in the recruitment of new case workers to support victims and investigations. HMIC referenced examples of how victims in Sussex feel able to provide evidence leading to successful prosecutions. This is progress we need to build on, so I will continue to use my Performance and Accountability meetings with the Chief Constable to ensure tackling domestic abuse remains a real priority for the police. In future, I will want assurance that officers routinely take Victim Personal Statements for all serious crimes, which can then be made available in court, as set out in the national Victims’ Code.

While HMIC said that Sussex Police successfully prioritises people who may be vulnerable to crime, it recommended improvements in investigative training and supervision for Response and Neighbourhood Policing Team Officers. Mrs Bourne added: “I am pleased that HMIC recognise recent improvements in investigative capability and I am determined that technology- and targeted training to exploit it- will enable more effective and efficient investigation in Sussex. I have secured funding for mobile IT so officers can spend more time on the streets and access essential information.

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“With a drive to get crime data entry right first time and the introduction of the new Niche police IT system, we have already seen improvements in the quality and timeliness of police investigations.

“I also want to see this investment improve forensic examination of mobile devices and computers and addresses the delays noted by HMIC.

“As a director on the Board of the College of Policing, I am determined that Sussex Police should embrace and embed the Code of Ethics.”