Police speak out over Barrow crime spike
Last updated at 16:34, Friday, 01 March 2013
THE recession is one reason behind an increase in crime in Barrow, according to South Cumbria’s leading police officer.
In May last year, police revealed there were 592 fewer victims of crimes in 2011/2012 than the previous year – but warned those “fantastic” figures could not realistically be repeated.
There has since been a 3.9 per cent increase in all crime in the borough from April 1 last year to January 31. The recent spike was still below 2009/10 and 2010/11 crime rates, however.
To tackle the increase, the South Cumbria force has re-organised its team of inspectors and launched a review of CID resources across South Cumbria.
Explaining the increase at a meeting of the Barrow Community Safety Partnership in Barrow Fire Station yesterday, Superintendent Mark Pannone said: “Various different rationales have been put forward, not least the recession and the fact Barrow is being significantly hit economically, with many people being hit by the withdrawal of benefits.
“My job is to make sure the police processes and systems are right and that we are doing our job and I’m confident that’s the case.”
Supt Pannone added that Barrow is below the group average for crime. It was useful to compare against peer police forces and in that respect Barrow “is not in a bad place”.
Jon Griffiths, Barrow fire station manager, told the meeting crews had seen an increase in chimney fires.
He said that was partly due to the cold weather, but also because more people were using cheaper, solid fuel, such as wood, to heat their homes and not having their chimneys cleaned regularly.
Steve Robson, neighbourhood manager at Barrow Borough Council, said he had noticed an increase in people taking wood disposed in backstreets in order to burn.
He said: “We’re seeing an awful lot of people talking about changes to their benefits, it’s having dramatic effects on people’s circumstances.’’
First published at 15:33, Friday, 01 March 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
I hope the new benefit system works. Too many rely on state benefits. Lots of jobs out there, but if hours or dates dont suit then they dont want them. The UK as a whole needs to pull together. Crime is worse now because of bad parenting, physical, violent offences more the norm, with no worthy punishment for the culprit. Us law abiding people are getting sick of the leniencies from the courts, the whole system needs a overhaul. I love my town but sometimes im ashamed of the attitude, violent, and abusive behaviour from individuals.
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I don't suppose the lack of a visible police presence or the inability to respond efficiently would have anything to do with the crime increase ? When will the Supt. admit that the service, as it stands cannot cope ?
Posted by k.hardman on 2 March 2013 at 14:11