Bracknell Forest Partnership

Article release date: 15/12/2011

Crime levels have continued to fall across the Borough, an achievement that is a very real example of partnership working.  The Community Safety Partnership (formerly the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership) is made up of representatives from a range of organisations including the police, probation service, fire service, borough council and the primary care trust who come together to develop a joined up approach to tackling crime and the fear of crime.

So far this financial year, overall levels of reported crime have fallen by 10% compared to the same period last year.  The number of personal robberies has fallen by 28% and while this figure equates to approximately 1 robbery a week much of it is criminal on criminal activity.  Thefts of vehicles have fallen as have thefts from vehicles; a fall that is considered to be the result of a combination of improved security systems in newer cars and the introduction of Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology which enables the tracking of movement of vehicles known to be of concern across the Borough.  Burglary and criminal damage levels are also down.

One of the areas that the Police and other agencies are keen to keep on top of is domestic violence.  Locally the number of repeat domestic violence incidents reported has fallen however research has found that by the time that a victim makes their first report to the police they will already have endured around 34 assaults.  In order to increase the chances of getting a successful domestic violence conviction Bracknell Forest’s Police take a proactive approach whenever they receive a report of an incident.  When a report is received, an officer visits the victim on the day of the report and a statement taken and notes made of any damage observed.  The Officer’s notes can then be used as primary evidence when the matter comes to court.  Bracknell Forest Local Policing Area also tries to get cases to court as quickly as possible in order to reduce the likelihood of witnesses being intimidated into changing their minds or refusing to attend court.

Integrated Offender Management has been key to reducing crime levels in the area.  This multi-agency approach identifies key offenders and key partners actively monitor and visit them to ensure that they are complying with any conditions placed on them and that they are generally behaving.  If they refuse to comply with the monitoring they are returned to prison.

While crime levels are low and continue to fall partners are not complacent about the work that still needs to be done to make the Borough a safer place for everyone particularly when surveys reveal that many people have a disproportionate fear of crime. This can be influenced by local and national media stories and we also know that some groups tend to be more fearful than others.  It is right that people take care of themselves and their property but we do not want anyone to have less than a full and active life because of an unnecessary fear of crime. Consequently tackling these perceptions and making people aware of the facts about crime and disorder within their neighbourhoods so that they can make sensible judgements concerning their own safety continues to be a significant part of the Community Safety Partnerships work.

Introduction of a new non-emergency police number

Thames Valley Police have phased out their 0845 telephone number for non-emergency calls. If you need to contact the Police on a non urgent local number then you should use their new telephone number 101.