POLICE, CRIME AND ANTI - SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR UPDATE
ISSUE 85: 15 FEBRUARY – 13 MARCH 2024
CRIME STATS
Over the last month, there has been a decrease in reported crime, from 625 cases down to 598. Over this period, theft has declined from 218 to 204, with public order offences decreasing from 94 to 76. Arson and
criminal damage has risen slightly, as well as vehicle offences and violence against the person. As always, the police would like to encourage everyone to report any criminal activity witnessed.
KNIFE CRIME EDUCATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
In light of recent events regarding knife crime in the city, Neighbourhood Policing teams have been working closely with local schools, the City of Bristol College, and young people in the area to increase education and awareness of knife crime. By delivering essential education sessions to young people alongside education and intervention organisations, progress is being made to highlight the dangers and consequences of
carrying a knife and to deter young people from knife crime.
The police have identified The Horsefair as a popular gathering location for young people. The team have been conducting reassurance patrols in this area, and through positive engagement and raising awareness of Crimestoppers, they have received positive feedback at this location.
AN UPDATE FROM THE HARBOURSIDE AND HOTWELLS TEA M
The Harbourside and Hotwells team have seen a significant reduction in theft from communal areas of multi-occupancy buildings following a recent campaign to address the issue. The team will continue working closely with local businesses and residents to maintain this success.
With Spring almost upon us, lighter evenings, and a change in weather, the team expect to see a significant rise in footfall in the city and look forward to seeing the area thrive over the summer months.
I NCREASED POLICE PRESEN C E IN ST OKES CROFT
The Stokes Croft and St Michael’s team have been increasing police presence in the area to counteract anti-social behaviour (ASB).
The police have increased high-visibility patrols in the area, adopting a multi-agency approach to reduce drug use and the presence of drug paraphernalia on the street.
Over the last month, the police have made arrests relating to drug supply and possession to deter drug-related ASB in the area.
The team has been meeting with local businesses to discuss these current issues, listen to business concerns, and formulate plans to facilitate long-term solutions.
The team will continue building healthy working relationships with businesses and residents around Stokes Croft to work proactively to reduce ASB.
ARRESTS FOR BROADMEAD OFFENDERS
Officers from the Bridewell Neighbourhood Policing Team have been working alongside local businesses in Broadmead to identify prolific offenders causing ASB, assault, and theft
In early March, the team made several arrests where individuals are now awaiting trials and sentencing.
The police arrested one individual for assaulting multiple police officers and security staff after shoplifting. The individual has been
excluded from the city centre under bail conditions and is awaiting sentencing for 16 offences.
The police arrested another individual for breaching their criminal behaviour order (CBO) and for several shoplifting offences. The individual has been sentenced to 24 weeks in prison with a 3-year extension of their CBO and an exclusion zone of the city centre.
On Sunday 3rd March, the Neighbourhood Policing Team made another arrest after an individual attempted to shoplift and then
DRUG CRIME IN REDCLIFFE AND TEMPLE
Officers in Redcliffe and Temple have been working hard in the area to apprehend individuals for drug offences and drug-related ASB.
Following reports from residents relating to the sale of drugs in public places, including in and around a flat block in the area, police conducted a proactive approach involving both uniformed and plainclothes officers.
Over the last month, several individuals have been charged with offences including the supply of Class A drugs, possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs, and possession of offensive weapons. All individuals have been remanded into custody after appearing at Bristol Magistrates’ Court.
In addition, officers have put safeguarding measures in place for residents who are vulnerable to exploitation. These measures include the emergency closure order of a flat in Redcliffe which was agreed in court on Tuesday 5 March. The property is now closed for three months following several months of drug-related ASB.
On Wednesday 6 March, a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act was executed in Redcliffe where drugs and drug paraphernalia were found on an individual
caused damage to a shop window. The individual was also in breach of their CBO which included an exclusion zone of the city centre. They have been charged with 6 offences and will remain in custody until April for sentencing.
The team will continue to work closely with businesses in Broadmead to ensure the safety of businesses and members of the public.
The team have been liaising with the community and monitoring reports received relating to drug supply and use. Neighbourhood Policing teams across the city have been proactive in acting on this intelligence and making significant progress in locating individuals selling and using drugs in both public and private places.
The team hope that their work in Redcliffe and Temple provides reassurance to residents and businesses in the area who have been affected. They assure that positive action will continue in the city.
All of the above information has been provided by Avon and Somerset Police directly.
