Tackling Crime
Tackling Crime Magherafelt Area
District Policing Partnerships 12-Month Report
(01 April 2008 – 22 March 2009) Figures Extracted 01 April 2009
Section 1) Progress towards achieving targets in the Local Policing Plan for 2008/2009 Domain: Tackling Crime
LPP Target
3.5.1 To reduce the number of assaults by 3%.
Apr-Mar 07/08
422
Apr-Mar 08/09
294
Change
-128 (-30.3%)
Target Comment on reasons for change in performance
There has been a significant reduction in the number of
a
assaults during this financial year.
Strategy
issues including assaults and criminal damage. This involved pro-active policing of Maghera town centre at the weekend between 20:00-04:00 hours.
Impact
and incidents of criminal damage while Operation Nitelife ran.
Operation Nitelife ran in Maghera for seven weekends during May and June to deal with a range of There was a reduction in the levels of both overall crime
Domain: Tackling Crime
LPP Target
4.4.1 To monitor and maintain the detection rate for drugs offences. 26 31 +5 (+19.2%)
Apr-Mar 07/08
Apr-Mar 08/09
Change
Target
Comment on reasons for change in performance
There has been an increase in the number of persons arrested for drugs offences during this financial year.
a
Strategy
A number of operations have resulted in the recovery of a substantial amount of drugs including the disruption of a number of cannabis factories.
Impact
Continuing operations.
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Domain: Promoting Community Safety
LPP Target
5.1.1 To reduce the number of incidents of antisocial behaviour by 5%. 1651 1456 -195 (-11.8%)
Apr-Mar 07/08
Apr-Mar 08/09
Change
Target
Comment on reasons for change in performance
There has been a notable reduction in the number of incidents of anti-social behaviour during this financial year.
a
Strategy
less than 18 years. Pro-active enforcement of ‘on street’ drinking legislation. Operation Schoolwatch – high visibility patrols in local schools to prevent and detect incidents of
Impact
the summer months in all eight Districts. There were no reports of criminal damage at schools
Operation Snapper – proactive patrolling of hotspot areas and seizure of alcohol from persons aged This operation ran on a series of weekends throughout
criminal damage and anti-social behaviour. In addition the Crime Prevention Officer provided advice during the period of the Operation. to a number of schools regarding security of the premises. Survey of New Row Primary School and Castledawson Primary School. Advice to schools including Reports forwarded to Education Board Security. Sperrin College, Magherafelt Primary, Magherafelt High & Knockloughrim Primary re security.
Domain: Promoting Community Safety
LPP Target
8.2.1 To maintain current detection rates for careless/dangerous driving offences. 191 195 +4 (+2.1%)
Apr-Feb 07/08
Apr-Feb 08/09
Change
Target
Comment on reasons for change in performance
There has been an increase in the number of detections for careless/ dangerous driving during this financial year.
a
Strategy
A pro-active approach continues to be taken when attending road traffic collisions. Static operations and high visibility patrols continue regarding careless and dangerous driving.
Impact
This is an ongoing strategy.
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Section 2) Trend data for Local Policing Plan targets 2008/2009
Local Policing Plan Targets for 2008/2009 Apr 08 Apr 08 Local Policing Plan Targets for 2008 / 2009 Target Target Jun 08 Sept 08
3.5.1 To reduce the number of assaults by 3%. 85
Apr 08 Dec 08
245
Target
Apr 08 Mar 09
294
Target
a a a
r
159
a a a
r
a a a a
a a a a
4.4.1 To monitor and maintain the detection rates for drugs offences.
6
20
26
31
5.1.1 To reduce the number of incidents of anti-social behaviour by 5%.
380
731
1089
1456
8.2.1 To maintain current detection rates for careless/dangerous driving offences.
43
104
170
1951
Note: The trend information is a snapshot each quarter of how the local PSNI has been performing against Local Policing Plan targets during the year.
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Figures cover the period 01 April 2008-28 February 2009
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Section 3) Summary of Recorded Crime and Clearance Rates within the Magherafelt Area
Crime Classes 1. Offences against the person 2. Sexual Offences 3. Burglary (Domestic Burglary) 4. Robbery 5. Theft (Theft from vehicles) (Theft of Vehicles) 6. Fraud and Forgery 7. Criminal Damage 8. Offences against the state 9. Other notifiable offences Violent Crime (1,2 & 4) Total Crime Recorded Apr-Mar 07/08
516 34 117 61 4 295 57 30 35 585 12 57 554 1655
Recorded Apr-Mar 08/09
366 22 91 43 5 268 33 41 47 463 13 90 393 1370
% Change
-29.1% -35.3% -22.2% -29.5% 25.0% -9.2% -42.1% 36.7% 34.3% -20.9% 8.3% 57.9% -29.1% -17.2%
Cleared Apr-Mar 07/08
113 9 13 9 0 43 10 7 3 44 10 34 122 269
% Cleared Apr-Mar 07/08
21.9% 26.5% 11.1% 14.8% 0.0% 14.6% 17.5% 23.3% 8.6% 7.5% 83.3% 59.6% 22.0% 16.3%
Cleared Apr-Mar 08/09
164 7 14 5 0 56 4 16 11 66 8 79 171 409
% Cleared Apr-Mar 08/09
44.8% 31.8% 15.4% 11.6% 0.0% 20.9% 12.1% 39.0% 23.4% 14.3% 61.5% 87.8% 43.5% 29.9%
Note: At a Total Crime level it is possible to identify the number of crimes that are under process, i.e. have not yet been included in the recorded crime figures – this is referred to as the crime undercount. The current crime undercount is 34.
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A breakdown of crime types as shown in the table above
Offences against the person (class 1) Murder Manslaughter Infanticide Attempted murder Threat or conspiracy to murder Causing death/GBH by dangerous driving or aggravated vehicle taking Wounding with intent/GBH with intent Wounding/GBH AOABH Common assault/aggravated assault Assault on police Intimidation Harassment Explosives offences endangering life Firearms offences endangering life Other offences against the person Robbery (class 4) Robbery Armed robbery Hijacking Sexual offences (class 2) Rape Attempted rape Unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under 14 years Unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl 14 and under 17 years Indecent assault on a female Indecent assault on a female child Indecent assault on a male Indecent assault on a male child Indecency between males Indecent exposure Indecent conduct towards a child Other sexual offences Burglary (class 3) Domestic burglary • Burglary in a dwelling • Aggravated burglary in a dwelling Non domestic burglary • Burglary in a building other than in a dwelling • Aggravated burglary other than in a dwelling Going equipped
Criminal damage (class 7) Arson Petrol bombing offences Explosive offences Criminal damage/malicious damage offences Other criminal damage offences
Theft (class 5) Theft, one person from another Theft in a dwelling Theft by an employee Theft of pedal cycles Shoplifting Vehicle crime • Theft from motor vehicles • Theft or unauthorised taking of motor vehicles Vehicle tampering/interference Handling of stolen goods Other thefts Offences against the state (class 8) Offences under anti-terrorism legislation Firearms offences Offences under Public Order (NI) Order Other offences against the public order
Fraud and forgery (class 6) Deception Forgery and counterfeiting Making off without payment Other frauds
Other notifiable offences (class 9) Blackmail Kidnapping and false imprisonment Drug offences – trafficking and non-trafficking offences Dangerous driving Breach of orders Other notifiable offences
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Anti-Social Behaviour ASB Incidents are a group of non-crime incidents that are reported to the police (i.e. they do not result in a notifiable offence). These are recorded by the PSNI on their Command & Control system and are classified as ASB in accordance with the National Standard for Incident Recording (NSIR). ASB incidents consist of the following incident types: • Abandoned Vehicles - (Not Stolen Or Causing An Obstruction) • Animal Problems • Begging / Vagrancy • Hoax Calls To Emergency Services • Inappropriate Use / Sale / Possession Of Fireworks • Noise • Malicious Communications • Prostitution Related Activity • Rowdy / Nuisance - Environmental Damage / Littering • Rowdy / Nuisance - Neighbours • Rowdy / Nuisance - Rowdy or Inconsiderate Behaviour • Street Drinking • Substance Misuse • Trespass • Vehicle Nuisance / Inappropriate Vehicle Use
Sanction / Non-Sanction Clearance rates Clearances (or detections as they may alternatively be known) are, broadly speaking, those crimes that have been ‘cleared up’ by the police. Crimes are counted as ‘cleared or detected’ in accordance with strict counting rules issued by the Home Office. Sanction clearances refer to clearances where a ‘sanction’ is taken against the accused person. The following methods of clearance involve a formal sanction:
• • • •
Charging or issuing a summons to an offender (this will not necessarily result in a subsequent conviction at court) Issuing a caution to the offender Having the offence accepted for consideration in court The offender is a juvenile who is dealt with by means of an informed warning, restorative caution or prosecutorial diversion
The use of non sanction clearances are limited to specified offences and circumstances and include the following reasons:
• • •
The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) directs no prosecution for an ‘indictable only’ offence The offence is an ‘indictable only’ offence and the case cannot proceed because the offender has died. 'Indictable only’ offences are the most serious types of offences and are those which must be tried in the Crown Court.
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Section 4) Policing with the Community
Strategy and/or progress under Policing with the Community
Summer Splash Scheme The CSP commissioned the NEELB Youth Service to provide a programme in seven hotspot areas in the District and provide a range of activities for young persons in an effort to reduce incidents of antisocial behaviour. During this financial year incidents of anti-social behaviour decreased by 195 incidents (11.8%) compared to the previous year.
Impact
Midnight Soccer This initiative has been running since the end of April 2008 and runs During this financial year incidents of anti-social behaviour decreased on a five weeks on/ off basis. It has attracted teams of young persons by 195 incidents (11.8%) compared to the previous year. from the Desertmartin, Leckagh and Sperrin areas who play football on Friday evenings at the Meadowbank arena. The initiative is funded by the PSNI, DPP and CSP.
Community Groups There is ongoing contact with Community Groups across the Magherafelt area, including Tobermore Community Forum, This is an ongoing initiative.
Upperlands Community Association, Culnady Community Association, Desertmartin Community Group, Lower Castledawson Community Association, New Meadows Community Partnership, Leckagh
Community Group and Leckagh Cultural Society.
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Strategy and/or progress under Policing with the Community
CASE Programme Citizenship and Safety Education Programme delivered by police to Key Stage 1,2,3 on a variety of subjects e.g., drugs and alcohol, antisocial behaviour, fireworks, bullying, road safety, stranger awareness, internet safety.
Impact
Over 2000 students addressed this year.
BEE Safe Involvement in annual BEE Safe event in partnership with HAP, NIFRS, Translink, EMS, Ulster Cancer Foundation, DOE. Safety scenarios delivered to 700 P6/7 students.
CEOP Project In partnership with Youth Council who developed a DVD on Child Exploitation and Online Protection to highlight safe internet use.
Good Neighbour Scheme Cards In partnership with CSP and NIHE development of GNS cards for use by older and vulnerable members of the community to divert callers to a nearby neighbour who will provide access to the occupant.
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Strategy and/or progress under Policing with the Community
Migrant Workers Website Funded by Policing with the Community Fund and in partnership with Community Planning for Migrant Workers.
Impact
FN830 Group Series of talks regarding fireworks and anti-social behaviour to FN830 Youth Group, Upperlands and input and funding into residential course around these issues.
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Section 5) Community Safety Projects
Strategy and/or contribution towards Community Safety Projects
Operation Snapper Proactive patrolling of hotspot areas and seizure of alcohol from persons aged less than 18 years. Pro-active enforcement of ‘on street’ drinking legislation. Operation Nitelife Operation Nitelife ran in Maghera for seven weekends during May and June to deal with a range of issues including assaults and criminal damage. This involved pro-active policing of Maghera town centre at the weekend between 20:00-04:00 hours. There was a reduction in the levels of both overall crime and incidents of criminal damage while Operation Nitelife ran. This operation ran on a series of weekends throughout the summer months in all eight Districts.
Impact
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Strategy and/or contribution towards Community Safety Projects
CRIME PREVENTION INITIATIVES Money Changing Scam Leaflets were delivered to all shops in Castledawson and service stations in Magherafelt containing advice regarding this scam. A press release was also issued. Park Mark Scheme – Safer Parking Review of Meadow Lane Shopping Centre. Thefts/ Burglaries from New Builds Advice was given to all Estate Agents in the Magherafelt District regarding prevention of thefts/ burglaries from new builds. A press release was also issued. Oil thefts Visits to McClean Oil, Magherafelt, McClean Oil, Maghera and Convery Oil, Kilrea. Leaflets and letters were issued. A press release in the form of a radio interview also took place.
Impact
Education and prevention initiatives highlighting a range of issues to the general public and businesses in the Magherafelt area.
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Strategy and/or contribution towards Community Safety Projects
Creeper Burglaries Leaflet drop to a number of estates including Manor Estate, Park Lane and Sherbourne following a creeper burglary. Drugs Advice to all Estate Agents in the Magherafelt District regarding cannabis cultivation. Mystery Shopper Press release regarding the Mystery Shopper Scam. Information was passed to Crime Prevention HQ who liaised with Barclay’s. Crime Prevention Stands There were a number of Crime Prevention Stands including an information day for older persons at Greenvale Leisure Centre, at Dunamoney re Cultural day and at the Elk re Habinteg Housing for NI. There was also a stand at Castledawson Primary School, with advice to parents and UV pens and reward charts for children.
Impact
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Strategy and/or contribution towards Community Safety Projects
Surveys/Talks • • • • • • • • Liaison with Magherafelt Hospital re security of Pharmacy. Meeting with Fire Officer & review of fire stations in Magherafelt & Maghera. Talks to vulnerable adults re home and personal security at the Adult Centre, to NI Carers and Mother’s Union. All firearms dealers spoken to and crime prevention advice given re home and personal security. Ongoing HIPA surveys and reports. Survey of A&E Mid Ulster Hospital and report forwarded. Talk to Cross Community Group, Castledawson. Talk to retailers of Meadowlane Shopping Centre.
Impact
Neighbourhood Watch Ongoing promotion and co-ordination of Neighbourhood Watch Schemes in partnership with CSP/DPP. There are currently four Neighbourhood Watch Schemes in the District, Beechlands,
Ongoing initiative
Tobermore, Desertmartin and Culnady with expected applications from Castledawson and Killowen.
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Section 6) Additional Information - Violent Crimes against Children
Policing Plan Target
3.2.3 To reduce the level of violent crime against persons under the age of 18.
Apr-Mar 07/08
128
Apr-Mar 08/09
92
Change
-36 (-28.1%)
Target
a
Breakdown of Violent Crimes Against Children
Offence v Person (Threat or Conspiracy to Murder Wounding with Intent/ GBH with Intent Intimidation Harassment Other Offences Against the Person Wounding/GBH Causing Death/ GBH By Dang. Driving/ AVT Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm Common Assault/Aggravated Assault) Sexual Offences Robbery
Apr-Mar 07/08 107
7 0 3 3
Apr-Mar 08/09 78
2 2 0 0
Change
-29 -5 +2 -3 -3
0 1 0 52 41
1 1 1 43 28
+1 No Change +1 -9 -13
21 0 15
14 0
-7 No Change
Section 7) Progress towards achieving targets in the Northern Ireland Policing Plan for 2008–2009
Domain: Tackling Crime Northern Ireland Policing Plan Target
3.1.1 To ensure that by 2010/2011 there are fewer than 100,000 crimes recorded. 3.2.1 To reduce the level of violent crime. 3.2.2 To reduce the level of more serious violent crime. 3.2.3 To reduce the level of violent crime against persons under the age of 18. 3.3.1 To ensure by 2010/2011 there are fewer than 6,000 domestic burglaries recorded. 3.4.1 To reduce the incidence of repeat victimisation of domestic abuse. 4.1.1 To increase the clearance rate by 5% points. 4.1.2 To increase the clearance rate for sectarian crimes. 4.1.3 To increase the clearance rate for racist crimes. 4.1.4 To increase the clearance rate for homophobic crimes.
Apr-Mar 07/08
1655 554 26 128 61 15 16.3% 1.7% 25.0% /0
Apr-Mar 08/09
1370 393 35 92 43 7 29.9% 5.0% 40.0% 66.7%
% Change
-17.2% -29.1% 34.6% -28.1% -29.5% -53.3% 13.6% 3.3% 15.0% /0
Target
a a
r
a a a a a a
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Glossary of Terms
ABC ABH ANPR ARA ASB(O) CID CJI(NI) CPLC CRO CSI CSP CSU CSU DCU DPP FTC FTR GBH GIS HVP KPI KSI LGBT MLO NAO NCIS Acceptable Behaviour Contract Actual Bodily Harm Automatic Number Plate Recognition Assets Recovery Agency Anti-Social Behaviour (Order) Criminal Investigation Department Criminal Justice Inspectorate (NI) Community Police Liaison Committee Criminal Records Office Crime Scene Investigator Community Safety Partnership Community Safety Unit (NIO) Central Statistics Unit, PSNI District Command Unit District Policing Partnership Fatal Traffic Collision Full Time Reserve Grievous Bodily Harm Geographical Information System High Visibility Patrol Key Performance Indicator Killed or Seriously Injured Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Minority Liaison Officer National Audit Office National Criminal Intelligence Service NIACRO NICCY NIHRC NIM NIO NIPB NISRA NSIR OCTF OCU OPONI PACE PCSO PFNI PSNI PTR RTC SNEN SOC SOCA TSG VFM YCA YDO Northern Ireland Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission National Intelligence Model Northern Ireland Office Northern Ireland Policing Board Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency National Standard for Incident Recording Organised Crime Task Force Operational Command Unit The Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland Police and Criminal Evidence (Act) Police Community Support Officer Police Federation for Northern Ireland Police Service of Northern Ireland Part Time Reserve Road Traffic Collision Single Non-Emergency Number Scene of Crime Serious Organised Crime Agency Tactical Support Group Value for Money Youths Causing Annoyance Youth Diversion Officer
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