POLICE, CRIME AND ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR UPDATE 21-27 SEPTEMBER 2022
CRIME STATS Over the last two weeks, 174 crimes have been recorded. Despite public order offences (28) remaining a prominent issue, theft (55) is still the top offence. As previously mentioned, car parks within the city centre are being targeted, with items being left on display encouraging theft, and as a result of this, our officers have been patrolling them to give out crime
prevention advice such as leaving leaflets on all vehicles to help deter crime. However, despite these efforts our officers are still noticing motorists are forgetting to remove valuables from their vehicles, resulting in a further increased risk of those offences. We urge all users of car parks to please secure all items out of sight.
TRANSITIONING INTO AUTUMN As the busy summer months end, there has been a large rise in local demand to which the policing team have risen to ensure our communities receive the service they require. With autumn nights drawing in, the next priority is Halloween, and Bonfire Night, before heading into the Christmas period. As we move into shorter daylight hours, the police are very conscious of the need for extra visibility in the city centre, so are in the process of incorporating additional
daily patrols to take place between now and the new year. This will be a big investment and it is vital that police officers are where they need to be to ensure they can provide the city centre with the service it requires. If you feel you are facing issues of antisocial behaviour (ASB), crime, or any other problems that require police presence please get in touch with the BID, so we can include that in our patrol plans.
POLICE WITNESS APPEAL TO VISITORS OF WELSH BACK Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward after the body of a man in his 30s, who was found in the harbour near Phoenix Wharf, off of the Welsh back, in the city of Bristol. The body of Abdul Rahman Jamal Saleh Suleiman was found on Wednesday 31 August, but it is believed he entered the water on Saturday 27 August, at about 9pm. His death is currently being treated as unexplained, as there are no suspicious circumstances following a thorough investigation by police.
around 9pm on Saturday 27 August, who may have seen Mr Suleiman enter the water. If you can help, please call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5222210696, or complete our online appeals form.
Officers were able to identify Mr Suleiman’s next of kin with the support of the Libyan embassy, and they have been updated about his passing. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time. Last week, an inquest into Mr Suleiman’s death was commenced at Avon Coroners Court and has now been adjourned to Wednesday 30 November. The Police want to speak to anyone who was in the Welsh Back area of Bristol at
The incident highlights the ever-present dangers of deep water in the harbourside and docks area of Bristol and we urge the public not to enter the water due to the multiple hazards it presents with a number of people having tragically lost their lives in this large section of water.
WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY Community-oriented policing is one of the leading focuses on developing relationships between members of the public and the police. Working collaboratively with partner agencies to identify and solve problems allows the police to give autonomy to those we aim to serve. This week, officers from Bridewell worked with Bristol City Council, The Bristol BID, Bristol Waste, Galleries and a local closed down convenience store to tackle an ongoing issue of environmental and nuisance ASB in Broadmead and Bristol city centre.
After many months of planning, officers and partner agencies were able to facilitate a successful clean and boarding up of the closed down shop to deter the ongoing crime and ASB in the area. This significantly reduced recent reports of ASB by around 47% in the area. To find out more about communityoriented policing and available resources such as road safety funds and free hi-vis jackets from primary schools, visit Police Community Trust | Avon and Somerset Police.
UPDATE FROM BRISTOL UNIVERSITY POLICE OFFICER: PC SIAN HARRIS It is the time of year again when we welcome new students arriving into the city, ready to embark on their degree courses. Over 6500 new students will be arriving in Bristol this month, many of whom will be living in student accommodation within the city centre and its surrounding areas. For most new students, this will be their first experience of living away from home, and with around 25% of Bristol University’s student population being international, this will also be their first experience of living in the UK. The next few weeks for most of these students will be about making friends and getting to know the city and all it has to offer – particularly the nightlife! Over 14,000 returning students will also be back in the city to continue with their studies. In anticipation of the large number of new students arriving in the city, we have worked alongside Bristol City Council, Bristol City Centre BID, Bristol Nights and both Bristol University and the University of The West of England, to
create a series of films and a poster campaign giving students top tips on staying safe in Bristol. These will be shared with students over the coming weeks. You can view all of the videos here.