Crime levels drop 44% in ten years

Tuesday 19 April 2016

Another drop in recorded crime means that crime levels are now almost half what they were a decade ago.

Last year saw a 2% fall in recorded crime – the eighth year in a row that the statistic has fallen. And it means that the 3,080 crimes recorded in 2015 are 44% down on where they were in 2005.

But the latest annual report from the police also shows that while crime may be on a downward trend, the pressure on the police force is rising because of an increase in the non-crime related work that they do.

Over the last five years, the police have seen a 162% increase in the number of mental health incidents that they deal with, along with a 122% increase in firearms incidents and a 53% rise in welfare checks.

At the same time, offences against the Children’s Law have gone up by 152% and sexual assaults have risen by 61%.

But break and entry offences have dropped by 59%, while nuisance and anti-social behaviour calls have fallen by 24% and theft is down 20%.

States of Jersey Police Chief Mike Bowron said that since 2010 the force had saved more than £2.5 million from its budget and reduced crime by a third – and that surveys showed that 80% of Islanders thought they were doing a good job.

He said: “In recent years, the States of Jersey Police has cut out a number of inefficient practices whilst also implementing reforms that have improved our overall effectiveness. Following lessons learned from Haut de la Garenne, we sought to refresh our relationship with the public, both through our actions and also by being open, transparent and accountable; we are also more visible and approachable.

“The increase in public confidence is reflected by the greater number of sexual assault victims who now come to us for help and justice.

“Looking to the future, we fully understand that the States of Jersey Police has an on-going responsibility to contribute to further budget savings.

“We will continue to work closely with the Jersey Police Authority and the Home Affairs Minister to minimise the impact this may have to public safety and Island security, ensuring that we continue to proactively prevent crime and protect vulnerable people.”

The report has also been welcomed by the Jersey Police Authority – the independent oversight body that reviews police performance and efficiency – who say that their analysis shows that the police are performing well, and praised the “highly experienced and committed” leadership team.

Advocate Jonathan White, who chairs the JPA, said: “In summary, the last twelve months has been another successful operating period for the SOJP with progress made in a number of areas in line with the 2015 Police Plan.

“However, findings from the survey and available management information demonstrate an increasing demand for a wider range of services set against a backdrop of cost cutting across the public sector – both are likely to combine to place new pressures on the SOJP and will ideally be addressed holistically by government so as to mitigate potential negative impact on police services and public goodwill.”