Police praised for crime crackdown

Speaking after the findings of Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) on the policing of anti-social behaviour the county’s top lawman said: “Bedfordshire Police welcomes the findings of the inspection and the survey as it confirms our plans for improvement in tackling Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB).

“I am pleased the HMIC has recognised our success in fighting crime and protecting the public, by acknowledging; ‘a strong reduction in overall crime, and is committed to ensure that future improvements in its response to ASB mirror the improvements it has achieved in driving down crime’.”

Overall crime has fallen by 6.5 per cent (2822 fewer offences), with burglary down 20 per cent (800 fewer homes). Violent crimes are down, with the most serious offences down 34 per cent. The number of people who are victims of ASB has reduced by almost 8000 over two years.

Mr Hitchcock added: “We are not complacent and we are committed to continuing to improve our performance over the coming months.

“Victims being satisfied with the service they get from Bedfordshire Police is a priority for us and I will always apologise to anyone who feels they may not have had the response they expected.

“Officers, PCSOs, staff and partners work tirelessly to support victims of ASB.

“Against a backdrop of budget cuts, Bedfordshire does have to prioritise what crime and incidents it investigates and serious ASB remains a key priority for us and our partners.

“Some aspects of ASB fall out of the remit of the police but are picked up by the three community safety partnerships that are well placed to help individuals with long term problems.”