More Police on the Streets
March 2024 - Staffordshire Police update:
Over the last 12 months, Staffordshire’s local policing teams have managed to tackle 98 of the force’s key ‘problem’ locations, using a new analytical tool developed in-house. The tool is
helping to reduce antisocial behaviour and improve victim satisfaction, as the Force strengthens its problem-solving capabilities.
County Lines Intensification Week:
Staffordshire Officers safeguarded 14 people, seized almost one kilo of cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin, worth more than £75,000, and closed four county lines. The
intensification week is designed to disrupt the supply of drugs, raise awareness of Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE) and safeguard victims.
Operation Mille:
Staffordshire Police have carried out a number of warrants as part of the national police operation. Officers have arrested 21 people, closed down 30 cannabis grows, seized more than
6,500 plants and charged seven people in the three-month-long operation targeting cannabis farms controlled or operated by Western Balkan organised crime groups. This activity complements the forces’
ongoing Operation Levidrome which aims to disrupt the production and supply of cannabis in our communities across the county.
Operation Bormus:
Following an increase in motor vehicle thefts and car key burglaries, Staffordshire Police have invested in Operation Bormus, which focuses on targeting the criminal groups involved in organised theft of vehicles. In October, the force reports thirteen suspected vehicle thieves were in custody. The planning and coordination of proactive operations to capture offenders committing these offences in crime ‘hot spot’ locations will continue.
61 arrests made in an effort to tackle violence against women and girls:
A coordinated activity between 18 and 24 September led to 61 arrests and 12 people being charged as part of Staffordshire's commitment to tackle violence, intimidation and abuse of women
and girls. As part of the activity over 46 victims of domestic abuse were contacted by specialist officers, who work with partner agencies, to offer advice and support to safeguard them and put plans in place to
reduce the risk of harm.
In addition, officers and Police Community Support Officers visited 23 schools, colleges and university campuses across the county to share personal and online safety advice.
Since the launch of the Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan in March 2023, over 100,000 hours of extra police patrols have helped reduce anti-social behaviour. The Rapid Deployment teams are made up of offenders serving Community Payback sentences will be on call to deal with instances of anti-social behaviour.
Across Staffordshire, the Staffordshire Commissioner’s office has welcomed nearly £5 million from the Safer Streets and Safety of Women at Night funds, and the ASB Action Plan. The money has been invested to a range of preventative measures that tackle a range of crimes such as violence against women and girls and vehicle theft.
The Prime Minister has launched a tough crackdown on retail crime with a raft of new measures such as tags for repeat offenders to prevent further offences. There will also be a specific new offence for assaulting shop workers. This should help to ensure that workers in the Moorlands can feel safe and protected at work.
We have a lower-than-average crime rate in Staffordshire thanks to our fantastic Police and Crime Commissioner. I am in regular contact with the Chief Constable and our Area Commander and receive updates from the Police force in the Moorlands who work hard to protect our communities.
The Government are determined to tackle all types of crime and keep our streets safe. This year 20,000 more police will be recruited to protect the public and police funding has been boosted by £1.1 billion to support these efforts. In Staffordshire, 332 extra police officers have been recruited, bringing the total number of officers up to 1,980. This is delivering on a key 2019 manifesto promise and comes as part of the Government's wider plan to drive down crime. Furthermore, with new laws such as those on domestic abuse, the police are being given the powers that they need to do their jobs.
In April 2023 I was also pleased to welcome a £32,244.96 investment in the Moorlands to tackle fly tipping. The investment comes from a grant fund supporting councils to provide projects such as extra CCTV, fencing, and small-scale redevelopment – as well as the ‘target hardening’ of fly tipping hotspots. Fly tipping is unacceptable and deters people from spending time in their local area, so I am pleased that the issue is being addressed in the Moorlands.
Along with tackling fly tipping, I also welcome the Government's new Hotspot Policing programme in Staffordshire, as part of the new Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan to make sure perpetrators face swift and visible justice. The scheme being rolled out in 2024 will mean offenders committing anti-social behaviour will have to repair the damage they inflicted on victims and communities as soon as 48 hours after their offence. Stronger punishments will also be handed out to those who graffiti, litter or fly tip, with increased fines of up to £500 and £1,000, and police will also be given new powers to crack down on illegal drug use with expanded powers for drug testing on arrest.
All these measures combine to deliver on the Government's pledge to drive down crime and make our communities safer, and I am pleased that the Moorlands is directly benefitting.