Police Activity Newsletter - Issue 39

POLICE, CRIME AND ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR UPDATE

24 NOVEMBER - 7 DECEMBER 2021

CRIME STATS

There have been 312 crimes recorded in the last 14 day days which is the second period where there has been a slight decrease in reports. Nearly two-thirds of all crime reported is violence against the person or theft offences. Canons Road and Park Street feature as the areas with the highest reported crime numbers. There have been 128 ASB incidents reported which again a slight reduction for the second period running. Crime levels are 12% up on the 12 months and ASB is 8.5% down.

ROMANIAN NATIONAL BEGGING

Central Bristol has been the victim of professional begging from persons of a Romanian Nationality for a long time. This is not specific to Bristol and is a countrywide issue that could be described as organised crime.

We have over the years tried many approaches which seem to have had little effect. In line with our vision for the city, we have now turned our focus on using the Criminal Behaviour

Order (CBO) against prolific individuals.

As a result, I am really pleased to update you that this week we were successful in obtaining our first CBO for Romanian Nationality Begging, which bans the individual from begging not just in Bristol but nationally. This order lasts for three

years, and details of this will be sent to all businesses in Bristol to assist the police in managing the order. This is a real positive move forward and has already promoted wider force interest and importantly a second CBO application due to go to court in the coming weeks. I hope that this and others to follow will have a positive effect on the business community.

GRAHAM SHARMAN JOINS STREETWISE TEAM

I am Graham Sharman and I have been a uniformed Police Officer based on the front line for nearly 20 years.

Before joining Avon and Somerset I was an officer with Wiltshire Police. I have recently left Neighbourhood Policing to work on the Streetwise Team.

The Streetwise Team is a MultiAgency Project that includes staff from Bristol City Council, Police, Bristol Drugs Project and St Mungo’s Outreach Team. The team deal with street-based Anti–Social Behaviour.

Having worked as a Beat Manager for We refer people for support to try and the past 11 years the experience and tackle the immediate causes of such knowledge that I have gained from behaviour whilst taking an working with different partnerships incremental approach to enforcement will hopefully assist me in working where offers of support aren’t taken with the Streetwise Team. up.

DELIVERY DRIVER MOPEDS

The Broadmead Beat team recently ran a joint operation with parking services to target delivery driver mopeds within the Horsefair area of Broadmead. This operation involved speaking to any delivery drivers riding on the pavement, parking on double yellow lines or committing other vehicle offences e.g. not displaying appropriate L plates,

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

As anyone who has watched the news recently will know, as of 30th November, the Government brought in new measures to slow the spread of the alarming new Omicron variant in England. This has resulted in a number of new travel restrictions coming into place. It has also meant that face masks are now mandatory in various environments.

Face coverings are now a legal requirement (unless exempt) on both public transport and in retail settings. Regulations around this are much the same as they were previously, although there is a slight amendment to be applied to give an exemption in certain leisure settings, including bars, clubs and public houses.

driving with tyres under the legal limit, driving without insurance, etc.

The operation was a success with 7 vehicles issued with fixed penalty notices for various offences. We are looking to run similar days of action in the future and build on this positive engagement.

Whilst dealing with incidents of individuals not wearing masks, officers will concentrate on the three Es of engaging, explaining and encouraging people first. Challenging behaviours, where appropriate, should act as a deterrent and foster increased compliance.

Naturally, where at all possible the police will endeavour to respond to incidents where individuals are violent or abusive towards retail and transport staff or other members of the public. Enforcement of face maks wearing will only remain available as the last option. For the greater good, the police continue to appeal to the public to co-operate in the fight against Coronavirus.