As the sun sets on another year (okay maybe we didn’t see much of it in 2012 but one can hope for 2013) and it rises on a new year I would like to take the time to reflect and take stock.
2012 was a challenging year in terms of policing. Economically we continue to be on a tight budget, but one thing that has not been reduced is the will of my team to fight crime and keep you safe.
We were involved in the Olympics in London and as the torch passed through Nottinghamshire, and a number of us also spent a week in the company of environmental protestors at West Burton power station.
But it was the ‘smaller’ events that had the biggest effect on the team. Helping to protect vulnerable victims of crime and antisocial behaviour and seeing them smile once the issues have been improved gave us the greatest sense of satisfaction and continues to be our biggest reward.
There have been 265 fewer victims of crime in West Bassetlaw than this time last year – that’s an 8 per cent decrease.
Theft offences have reduced by 21 per cent, business burglary is down by 18 per cent, there have been 11 per cent fewer reports of criminal damage, 4% less violent offences resulting in injury, and we are experiencing a 23 per cent fall in reports of anti-social behaviour.
But it’s not a clean sheet. There have been two more house burglaries and autocrime has increased by 28 per cent.
If you were lucky enough to receive a laptop, mobile phone or sat nav from Santa, keep them away from windows and take them out of your vehicle when it is unattended.
Don’t let a thief get the upper hand on your new year. As simple as it sounds, make resolutions to always lock doors and windows to your homes and vehicles and keep valuables out of sight.
We were out in force across the festive period and, while we were busy on both ‘Eves’, we didn’t have too much trouble.
The same, however, cannot be said for the Friday before Christmas. I was very disappointed by the drunken activity in and around pubs and clubs. What I saw was a lot of shameful and irresponsible behaviour.
Whether you are a reveller, licensee, bar or door staff, take responsibility for keeping Worksop Town Centre an enjoyable and safe place to visit at night.
On a more positive note, thank you to all those who continue to support us, from residents to our partner agencies. I would also like to thank my staff who pull in the same direction to reduce crime, bring to justice those who harm West Bassetlaw and protect those who need us most.
I wish you all a happy and safe new year. Keep reporting suspicious activity and crime and together we can keep West Bassetlaw a safe place in which to live, work and visit.