As we approach the end of our Policing year at March end, crime continues to fall in Hastings. Total crime is down 7.2% compared to last year, that is 570 less crimes. We have also seen very significant reductions in house burglary, down 29.2%, 110 less crimes, vehicle crime down 19% ,154 less crimes and injury violence down 7%, 54 less crimes. I am not however complacent about these results and the challenge for us is to maintain and sustain these levels of crime reduction for the year ahead.
I have spoken before about public confidence and satisfaction and this is an area of our business that we are continually seeking to improve. Our latest set of survey results conducted with residents in Hastings has shown us that:-
86% were confident in the Police.
73% were confident that the Police and Council are jointly dealing with crime and anti social behaviour.
89% said we were doing a good job.
There is room for improvement and therefore this month we have launched the ‘your voice counts'' campaign. This involves members of the public being given the opportunity to feedback to us about the service they have received. Each person visited by the Police as a victim of crime is given a questionnaire to comment on the service they received and then return it to us. We are committed to providing the best possible service and are keen to learn from the publics experience, so we are asking for your feedback.
This month also saw the launch of the Hastings Street Pastors scheme. They are a Christian group who volunteer to work alongside us and other partners during the night time economy, offering help and support to people who may have drunk too much or are otherwise vulnerable and who may be at risk of becoming a victim of crime. Street Pastors have been instrumental in keeping people safe and reducing vulnerable people becoming a victim of crime in other areas where the scheme is already operational across the UK.
On February the 5th I had the pleasure to present certificates of merit to Police Officers, Police staff and members of the public at our Divisional awards ceremony held in Eastbourne. The awards reflected some excellent work in catching criminals and cutting crime but of particular note were awards given to Officers for saving the lives of four people in Hastings all in separate incidents.
Catching and convicting criminals this month has seen more success. Following some street robberies (muggings) in the Central St Leonards area we have arrested two young men after a very quick response by our emergency response team and CID. Also on 12th February Christopher White aged 18 was convicted a Lewes Crown Court for a street robbery he committed in Hastings last year, he has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on 12th March.
This month also see the go live for our Neighbourhood Policing kiosks. These enable people to find out who their local officer is and what is going on where they live via our force website. An icon on the main screen of the kiosk bears the Sussex Police badge and the words ''Neighbourhood Policing'' The kiosks are located at the following locations in the town:-
Hastings Information Centre
Queen''s Square
Priory Meadow
Ore Valley Children''s Centre
46-48 Chiltern Drive
Hastings
Hastings Town Children''s Centre
Waterworks Road
Tourist Information Centre
East Beach Street
Old Town
Leisure & Culture Directorate
Aquila House
Lower Ground Floor
Breeds Place
Mark Ling
Hastings District Commander