Dear Colleague,

 

Crime Reduction       = – 6.3%

            Crime Detection        = 35.3%

            Overall Satisfaction  = 85.6%

You will be aware that a second man was arrested recently in relation to the murder of Melanie Hall.  For operational reasons I cannot go into any detail, but I hope that it does reassure you of our ongoing commitment and determination to find Melanie’s killer.  This is a difficult and complex case and a number of detectives remain working on the case exploring every lead and opportunity.   

We have received good feedback from people for taking swift action to combat a recent increase in anti-social behaviour in city centre parks and open spaces. 

There had been complaints from residents about drink and drug abuse, vandalism and dangerous dogs in Henrietta Park,

Green Park, Sydney Gardens and Norfolk Crescent Green.  Officers patrolled the parks throughout the day and evening and seized any alcohol and drugs they found.  They also broke up groups they believed were responsible for potential anti-social behaviour.  People were warned about littering and noise and the owners of dogs found out of control were reported.  The police effort seems to have worked – one Henrietta Park resident emailed me saying: “Thank you so much for giving us our park back!  You must have worked very hard.  For the last couple of weeks it has been very peaceful and great to go in the park without fear of being shouted or sworn at.  Many thanks.”  These have been excellent examples of where people have shown the confidence to talk to us about the things that matter to them.  Once we are aware, it creates the opportunity to do something about the problems which upset and annoy people. 

We have also been working hard at combating the abuse of alcohol especially by young people and those that facilitate their access to alcohol.  City Centre Police Officers working with B&NES Council, carried out an undercover operation to catch out shops selling alcohol to children.  Nearly a third of the stores targeted were found to be breaking the law.  It led to 4 shop workers being given £80 on-the-spot fines and 1 was sacked.  The joint operation sent 2 16 year-olds into 13 Bath shops.  They were successful in buying strong cider in 4 of them.  In July, The Bright Store in

Upper Bristol Road

was stripped of its licence to sell alcohol after staff were found selling to youngsters. 

We continually remind licensees of their responsibilities to comply with the law and we deal firmly with those who don’t.  Under-age drinking can damage the health of young people and lead to anti-social behaviour, which affects others in the community.  

We will continue our relentless campaign to set new standards of behaviour in our town and city centres. 

Kind regards.

Yours sincerely