|
BLUE
WATCH
A special Column for community and Police issues. |
|
LONDONERS' CONFIDENCE IN THE MET SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASING
The results of the Met's most recent Public Attitude Survey (2005/06) show that Londoners' confidence in policing, both across the capital and at a local level, are increasing.
The survey, which involved more than 7500 detailed interviews with Londoners, examined experiences and perceptions of crime and policing. The survey concluded that confidence in policing as a whole in London increased by 11% last year, with 64% of those surveyed stating that police in London are doing a good or excellent job. This figure was 53% when the study was conducted in 2004/05.
We are seeing encouraging signs across London in terms of local policing, that coincides with the rollout of the Safer Neighbourhoods programme, with 58% of respondents stating that police in their local area were going a good or excellent job, an 6% increase on the previous year. This was complemented by a 9% increase in Londoners satisfaction in local policing, which rose from 54% in 2004/05 to 63% in 2005/06.
Of those surveyed 53% stated that they were confident both in policing across the capital and at a local level.
In terms of communities working with police, 71% of those surveyed stated that relations between the community and police were good, a rise of 8% from the previous year. The Public Attitude Survey is an independent study, conducted by MRUK Research, that examines Londoners' experiences and perceptions of crime and policing. The study has been conducted on an annual basis since 1983. The 2005/06 survey involved 7,685 interviews that were conducted across all London boroughs during the course of the year.
The most recently published crime statistics for London also show that crime is falling in almost every category. In the first six months of this financial year (April - September 2006) overall crime is down by 7.0%, which in real terms equates to almost 35,500 fewer offences compared to last year. During the same period the sanctioned detection rate rose to 20.1% compared to 16.7% last year and is the highest rate the Met has achieved since comparable performance records began in 1998.
Residential burglary figures for September are at the lowest levels since comparable records began in 1998. In the first six months of this financial year residential burglary is
down 7.3%, equating to 2,228 fewer offences. Gun enabled crime is also significantly down, by 19.5%, compared to the same six months last year. In real terms this equates to 407 fewer offences.
Violent crime continues to fall, with this financial year's figures showing a 5.1% decrease - equating to in excess of six thousand fewer victims. The number of homicides in London has also declined - 14 fewer than the same period last year. Commander Simon Foy, the Met's Head of Performance, said: "What this actually means is that contrary to speculation in some of the media at the moment, Londoners actually think that not only are we are doing ok, but we are getting better.
"Crime affects communities but so does the fear of crime - we have to defeat both to be truly successful. We are encouraged by the increases in public confidence combined with reducing crime levels and are committed to working hard to improve the service we provide to Londoners on a day to day basis."
MPS crime figures for April- September can be found on website -
www.met.police.uk/crimefigures
|
___________________________________________________________________________
|
INFORMATION PLEASE
Police are appealing for information following a collision in South Park at 12:56 on Friday 14th July.
The incident occurred as Jodie Momodu, 12, a pupil at Barking Abbey Lower School was leaving the school at lunchtime as the school had broken up for the summer holidays.
Jodie was in collision with a Dark Blue Mitsubishi Shogun. Witness accounts suggest two men ran away from the vehicle leaving two men inside the vehicle and we wish to establish exactly who the driver was. Not prepared to discuss further.
Jodie suffered cuts and bruising to her head and her body. She also suffered pelvic injuries which she is still receiving treatment for. She was taken by LAS to a London hospital. She has now fully recovered.
Sergeant Andy Larkin of Longbridge Safer Neighbourhood Team is leading the investigation into the collision. He said: "We are appealing for anyone who saw the incident to come forward and in particular we want witnesses to tell us who was driving the vehicle at the time of the collision and saw people run off. Anyone with information is asked to contact: 020 8721 2573.
There were a number of parents picking up their children at the time. One man has been arrested following enquires. He is bailed to an east London PS on a date in late October.
|
