PCC praises progress of force’s new operating model with crime rates down
Police and crime commissioner (PCC) Donna Jones has praised Chief Constable Scott Chilton for Hampshire Constabulary’s performance since he introduced a new operating model to deliver a better service to the public.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight PCC said data shows crime has reduced and more people are being charged since Mr Chilton took up the post.
Burglary has reduced by 13.8 per cent, serious violence is down by 14 per cent, anti-social behaviour is down 17.9 per cent and domestic abuse has reduced by 15.3 per cent compared with this time last year.
Overall crime has reduced 6.6 per cent, which amounts to 7,891 less crimes than last year.
While shoplifting has increased, those being charged or summonsed to court has increased by 77.6 per cent, reflecting the force’s re-focus on crimes affecting communities, said Ms Jones.
There are also significant improvements in the 101 service. Callers have often reported having to wait a long time for someone to answer their 101 call, however, November saw the average wait time was 7 minutes 25 seconds, compared with 23 minutes in June, Ms Jones said.
Speaking on the improvements, Ms Jones said: “These improvements are down to the changes the chief constable has made to the operating model since he began work earlier last year.
“His back to basics approach means there is less crime and more people facing justice which is exactly what the public want.
“I’m delighted to see a significant drop in serious violence and burglary, however, I apply caution to the drop in domestic crimes as I know how hard it is for victims to make reports. I will be monitoring this reduction in the months ahead.
“As commissioner, I will ensure there is independent support for survivors in place across the two counties for those seeking help but who are not ready to talk to the police.”
She added: “The drop in 101 call waiting times, however, is promising and I hope to continue to see improvements into 2024.
“Significantly, those charged with burglary has increased 32.5 per cent compared to last year. The commitment to attend 100 per cent of burglaries is working and these numbers are promising. There is still a long way to go but these signs are very encouraging.
“This is a trajectory we want to stay on.”