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.