83% drop in burglaries

luckat

Dunno if this is the right forum; if it's not, mods please move.

Saw this interesting piece a few days ago on the BBC news site - Gardai please copy!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/tees/5149316.stm


Researchers 'predict' burglaries
A new method of predicting where crimes will occur has brought a big reduction in burglaries and criminal damage, police on Teesside say.

Cleveland Police say Operation Crystal has seen an 83% dip in house burglaries and 70% reduction in reports of criminal damage in just a month.

Research has shown that following a burglary there is a heightened risk of a further burglary within 200 metres.

Officers alert vulnerable properties in the area to be more vigilant.

Crime analysts say they can predict which properties may be at future risk.

Operation Crystal focused on the Mount Pleasant area of Stockton, but its success means it is to be rolled out to other areas.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "The month-long operation, which started on 24 May, saw a reduction in house burglaries of 83% on the previous month.

"There was also a 70% reduction in reports of criminal damage and incidents of anti-social behaviour were also down by 32%.

"This gave an overall reduction in all crime of 67%.

"During the operation, officers spoke to over 300 residents, offering crime prevention advice and reassurance."

Det Sgt Steve Jermy added: "By making people aware homes near them have been targeted and offering support in keeping their homes secure, we hope to see the same impact in other areas."

hullaballoo

Hmmm very interesting. Slightly minority roport-esque too!

I can't see any sort of intelligent policing being implemented in this country in the near future, however. You couldn't possibly blame the average Garda, but the senior Gardaí who seem to be oblivious to any sort of advancements in dealing with minor crime such as burglary etc.

maidhc

Is this news?

It has always been the case for as long as I can remember that once you hear the scumbags are around it is time to batten down the hatches. However the gardaí should hardly be expected to tell you the neighbour has been robbed, such can be done much more efficiently and cheaply by a community alert group.

luckat

Or perhaps not, if the result was an 83% drop in burglaries!

Victor

Also of note is burglars, once they work out how to burgle one property in a neighbourhood, they then know how to burgle all the similar properties (down the back lane, over the wall, upstairs window accessible from kitchen roof).