Police Activity Newsletter - Issue 34

POLICE, CRIME & ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR UPDATE 15th - 28th September 2021

CRIME OVERVIEW Over the last 2 weeks, there have been 380 crimes reported, which is slightly higher than in the last period. Violence against the person and theft make up over 200 of these offences, a similar number to the previous 2 weeks.

Broadmead, St Augustines Parade and Baldwin Street appear to have the most crimes committed.

One offender has committed 6 offences, but the police have positively engaged with them to reduce their offending during this

time. There have been 144 antisocial behaviour incidents (ASB) reported, with a mixture of street, group and general ASB. The peak time for ASB has been 6pm and

CLIMATE STRIKE On Friday 24 September, Bristol Youth Strike for Climate arranged a protest at 11am on College Green in Bristol city centre. A full police operation was arranged to monitor and police the event, which took place peacefully without any significant issues or disorderly behaviour.

Young people had been encouraged to “walk out of education and join fellow strikers on College Green”. On the day itself, approximately 200 young people marched through the city centre. Several Youth Outreach workers attended the event to engage with young people at the

march which attracted a much lower number than initially expected.

This was the group’s first protest since the pandemic, and it was relatively small compared to those on previous occasions.

In February 2020, the protest attracted 15,000 people as Greta Thunberg attended the event and spoke to crowds in the city at the demonstration. Unfortunately, on that occasion some anti-social behaviour occurred as a small minority of protestors climbed onto bus stops, trees and caused a few other issues.

11pm. Overall year on year, crime is still 4.5% down and ASB 6% down.

UPDATE ON CITY CENTRE ASB Due to the excellent work achieved through a multipartnership approach in the city, we have been able to reduce the levels of crime and ASB being caused in and around the Harbourside, with a particular focus at the Lloyds Amphitheatre.

This has, however, caused some displacement with groups congregating at the fountains.

The local police team have

ST JAMES PARK

In recent weeks, the police have had to deal with a number of large tents that were erected in St James Park. The tents were reportedly initially erected to accommodate those who had, unfortunately, found themselves homeless.

Following engagement from the police with the individuals, it was established that they had an accommodation and were simply using the area to use and supply drugs, which undoubtedly causes a negative impact to the wider community in terms of anti-social behaviour. Bristol City Council were consulted along with the Streetwise team to identify

responded to this by creating a PSP (problem-solving-plan), restructuring our patrols and bidding for force resources to bolster our police officer presence in the area. We have an Active Dispersal Order in place Thursday through to Sunday and are using this to remove people misbehaving. Our licensing team have also targeted the store providing alcohol to underaged

individuals who were homeless or may be at risk, as well as working with the police to try and deal with the issue of an encampment.

Several reports were made to officers identifying offences that had taken place, not just within the park, but at the local bus station and Broadmead.

The decision was made to attend the park and establish if the tents could be attributed to individuals for the purpose of serving notices to vacate. As a result of targeted police action, the tents were disclaimed by those present and subsequently removed by officers, using the services of Bristol Waste.

GREAT BRISTOL RUN

Sunday 19 September saw over 10,000 people descend on the city centre for the first major event since Covid-19, the Great Bristol Run.Runners from all around the country took part in a half marathon (just over 21km), and, for the first time, a 10km quarter marathon race.

Officers from Team 3 Bridewell Neighbourhoods Police were out and about making sure the

public could enjoy a safe event and supporting the marshals with any issues. This took the form of foot patrols as well as harbour boat patrols, who ensured no one took a cooling dip in the harbour after completing the race. This was the first major event in a very long time and it was great to see so many people coming together as we start to return to normal life after Covid-19.

and NOS canisters, and they are actively pursuing actions under licensing legislation. This work will continue over the next 2 weeks, so please report any issues to the police so we can provide targeted policing.

This has resulted in a dramatic decrease in instances of anti-social behaviour and street drinking, and from an environmental perspective, a reduction in waste and litter.

The police are always keen to learn of areas that are targeted or frequented by individuals’ intent on causing an impact on the communities and businesses in the local vicinity. Contact details and advice have been given by the local beat teams to increase collaborative working to deal with these issues as they arise and ensure that the city remains a welcoming environment for all.