POLICE, CRIME & ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR UPDATE 27th October - 10th November CRIME OVERVIEW Over the last two weeks, overall crime levels have remained fairly stable, but total crime for the year is still significantly lower, primarily due to lockdown and COVID-19 restrictions. Recent increases in shoplifting and cycle theft are likely to reduce now, as a consequence of the second lockdown, but those stores that remain open may be targeted more frequently, particularly by those with no alternative sources of income. Over recent months the police have been targeting the most prolific shoplifters, which has brought notable success. One particular offender has been arrested and charged with a
number of offences and now has bail conditions not to enter the shopping quarter. Whilst overall assaults are down, assaults on security staff have increased and this will be a particular focus for the police team over the coming months. Assaults on any staff
working in local businesses should be reported as soon as possible as the local police team are keen to identify and deal with those responsible. The Bristol City Centre BID funded Police Officer, Gareth Ayers can be contacted on police@ bristolcitycentrebid.co.uk.
NARROW QUAY GRAFFITI Over the past few weeks, the Arnolfini and neighbouring businesses have been subject to ‘tagging’ graffiti. Bristol has a great and diverse history with graffiti, being the home of Banksy and the annual Upfest street festival. However, street tagging is unsightly and can diminish the look and feel of our streets, as well as being expensive and timeconsuming to remove.
taggers with plain-clothes patrols. Options to increase the CCTV This past weekend, the police have coverage in key locations are also being explored as a further way of been focusing their efforts on identifying those responsible. trying to identify and arrest the
The Bristol City Centre BID Cleansing Team is equipped to remove unwanted graffiti from businesses’ doors, walls and shop windows, as well as bollards and lampposts within the BID area. Removal of graffiti on the ground floor is free for Bristol City Centre BID levy payers and is dealt with within just 48 hours. If you require graffiti removal, please email the team at cleansing@ bristolcitycentrebid.co.uk.
PROTESTS IN LOCKDOWN From the 7th to 8th November, protests were planned in breach of the new lockdown legislation. The previous regulations provided for an exemption if the protests supported a political cause and had been risk assessed by the organisers. However, no such exemptions now exist and the organisers of a protest could face a fine of £10,000. To support the need for compliance with coronavirus restrictions, the police have made clear their willingness to deliver such
enforcement action. In result of this, the protest organisers of the events planned for the 7th and 8th of November postponed the protests. This positive result has not yet been achieved with the organisers of the ‘Stand Up Bristol’ anti-lockdown protest that is planned for Saturday 14th November. Consequently, a policing operation will be in place to manage the impact of the protest on the city and enforcement action will be taken where necessary.
POLICING IN LOCKDOWN Government funding has been received by the police to support the policing of compliance with coronavirus regulations and legislation. Part of this funding will be used to deliver additional dedicated patrols tasked with delivering the Four E’s approach to engage, explain and encourage compliance as well as delivering targeted enforcement where necessary. These patrols are being tasked through a weekly
meeting that is attended by representatives from the police, city council, Bristol City Centre BID and Broadmead BID. This has been arranged to ensure that all available resources, including the Safeguarding Marshals, the Broadmead Ranger and the council-funded COVID Marshals are aware of the priority areas and key messages. Regular information sharing on reported regulation
breaches and areas of concern from all involved supports the coordination of patrols to maximise visibility and police impact across the city. The police and Council Officers are able to deal with serious or repeated breaches of the legislation by issuing fines of up to £10,000, and whilst the Four E’s approach will be maintained, greater use of enforcement interventions are being pursued.
to identify repeat offenders which is made increasingly more difficult with current regulations that require all persons to wear masks within shops. However, this should not deter stores from reporting crime. The police and the council are able to issue Criminal Prevention Warnings and notices against alleged offenders. These are applied for through a civil court process rather than magistrates and are far easier to evidence. Breaching of
notice then becomes a criminal offence and can lead to a postconviction Criminal Behaviour Order (this replaces the ASBO), fines and in serious cases, imprisonment. These have proved to be successful in tackling street-based Anti Social Behaviour and low-level crime. If you have any concerns regarding retail crime and would appreciate further advice please contact the Bristol City Centre BID funded Police Officer, Gareth Ayers on police@bristolcitycentrebid.co.uk.
RETAIL CRIME
Although overall crime has decreased due to the second lockdown, retail crime still remains a concern. The detection of crime relies heavily on CCTV images and businesses