An interesting debate has started on the Echo website over a reported drop in crime in Rochford District.
The Echo has reported:
ROCHFORD district is safe and crime-free, one of the area’s senior policemen says.
Newly-released figures suggest the number of offences reported across the district fell sharply last year, with an especially steep reduction in Hockley and Hawkwell.
Just 19 offences were reported in the two villages last May, compared to 40 in May 2006. The figures cover offences such as burglary, car crime and assault.
Across the whole Rochford district, just 143 burglaries were reported between April 2006 to April 2007 – 14 per cent reduction.
After several critical comments on the Echo website Hockley PC Steve Joynes has written:
It is true that statistics do play a major part in crime recording. It is very difficult to justify what the police are doing without some form of stats. If we didn’t publish figures I’m sure the public would complain about that! Some people are never happy.
I am quite offended though by comments the police do not care. We do care. Many of us live in the District and have young families growing up here. We all work long unsociable hours until late at night to reduce crime and make it a safer place for all. I’m sure Chief Inspector Walker would be willing to discuss this with anyone willing to call.
The police are now more contactable than ever before if people use the correct method to save overloading the 999 system or control rooms. Non emergency incidents should be reported by calling the local 24hr manned station not an extension or direct dial. Emergencies only via 999.
Police officers do not sit by the phone waiting for it to ring. Most are busy in custody dealing with offenders or out at scenes dealing with victims of crimes. Police Community Support Officers and Special Constables support the regular police offering high visibility patrols at the times they are most needed. Neighbourhood officers can be contacted or will call you back to discuss matters in your local areas. Details of officers can be found on the website www.essex.police.uk or via any police station front office.
We are currently recruiting Special Constables, so if anyone feels they can offer a better service or help us in the fight against crime, become a special. Neighbourhood Watch can also be very effective, but most people can’t even be bothered to look after their own streets. Any Neighbourhood Officer can offer advice on these schemes, so call us for more information.