Detection success cuts number of burglaries

FEWER burglaries were committed in Guernsey last year. A total of 145 were reported compared with 212 in 2002 and the rate of detection increased from 13% to 16.5%.

Preliminary statistics showed also that there was a reduction in all reported crime.

Chief officer George Le Page said that the force had been very successful in catching burglars and placing them before the court, with a number of offenders being imprisoned.

This had the double effect of being a deterrent and preventing criminals from reoffending.

Mr Le Page said that the reduction was due to a combined effort and an intelligence-led approach to policing.

'There has been tremendous co-operation between other agencies such as Crimestoppers and the Crime Prevention Panel in raising people's awareness of crime and offering suggestions to reduce it.

'We have had a lot of co-operation from the public but above all a professional and committed approach from officers and civilian support staff.'

The overall number of crimes decreased from 3,518 in 2002 to 3,230 last year, with a detection rate of 35% compared to 29% in 2002.

The latter could increase further as 268 crimes have yet to be formally processed.

Violent crime also fell at the same time as a 14% rise in England and Wales was being reported by the Home Office.

In Guernsey, the number of assaults fell from 404 in 2002 to 393 last year, rapes from eight to seven and woundings from 17 to 15.

Mr Le Page said that he was pleased with the lower figures but not complacent.

'I'm not saying that it can't be improved upon but overall the island must be considered quite a safe environment compared to other jurisdictions.'

Disorderly-type offences rose slightly last year, with 675 arrests compared with 661 the previous year. A high number of these occurred over the summer months. Police attributed this to people over-indulging on a mix of sun and alcohol.

But Mr Le Page said that after the force took a strong stance, disorderly arrests fell to 158 in the final quarter of last year compared with 210 for the same period in 2002.

Police paid 760 visits to licensed premises, with 423 of these being in the second half of the year, compared with a total of 414 in the previous year. This was to support licensees in deterring under-age drinking and drunk-and-disorderly offences. There was also an increased presence in Town streets.

'This was reflected in many favourable comments as to the perceived safety in Town which is something we are trying to maintain this year. This is difficult as we are under-resourced, but officers are working many hours of overtime to achieve this,' said Mr Le Page.

The force has 158 officers out of a full establishment of 177 but Mr Le Page said that the number was stable and new officers were gaining in experience.

Damage cases remained relatively static at 894 compared with 897 in 2002, but he said that he would like to see a reduction in that figure.

This will be a priority for 2004 along with reducing the number of disorderly offences, drug and alcohol abuse, improving detection initiatives for crimes against people and their property and tackling traffic offences.

This year's policing plan is due to be published next month with the final crime figures.