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Violent crime is ‘worst in region’

16/11/2005

POLICE are hoping to reduce violent crime with a series of hard-hitting initiatives.

Glossop currently has the highest number of violent crimes recorded across the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales.

From 1 April to 31 October, 354 incidents were recorded compared to 311 in the same period last year - an increase of 13.8 per cent.

But police are hoping to cut the number over the next six months with Operation Carter to which an officer has been specially appointed to target and check up on offenders.

Research shows around 35 per cent of violent crime occurs in the town centre and one in three offences near a pub or club.

Police are hoping to combat this with extra patrols and the recently introduced dispersal order.

Other measures include a mobile CCTV van, giving officers video cameras to capture crimes on film and carrying out more checks on licensed premises.

Glossop Inspector Stuart Thompson said: "We have always had a problem with the town centre and people coming in to look for trouble, but I am really pleased with the way the operation has started.

"In the first month 44 people were arrested for violent crime offences and I look forward to the results improving."

Patrols have also been stepped up to deal with damage offences after 441 were recorded compared to 366 last year.

House burglaries have dropped from 100 to 80, although there has been a small increase in other burglaries such as shops and sheds.

But drug-related offences have been slightly reduced, along with the number of cars stolen and thefts from vehicles has seen a massive drop of 39 per cent to just 79 offences.