Violent crime up in last 10 years (From Chelmsford Weekly News)

Violent crime up in last 10 years

8:00am Friday 5th February 2010

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VIOLENT crime in Chelmsford has increased by more than 100 per cent in the past ten years according to figures released by the Tories.

But police have hit back by saying comparison of figures is difficult because of changes in recording crimes.

They added the number of violent crimes against the person in the Chelmsford district has dropped by 441 offences last year compared to 2007.

According to the Home Office statistics obtained by the Tories, there were 917 violent attacks in 1999-2000.

The number in 2008 to 2009 went up to 1,998, an increase of 118 per cent.

But Essex Police have said it is difficult to compare these two periods due to changes in 2002 to the National Crime Recording Standards.

Prior to this time some crimes which would now be recorded may have been categorised as no crime having been committed.

In 2007, there were 2,532 violent crimes recorded in the Chelmsford district. In 2008 this dropped to 2,134 violent crimes against the person and last year the figure had dropped to 2,091 Chelmsford Inspector Glen Pavelin said: “Essex Police is delighted the number of violent crimes against the person has dropped significantly across Chelmsford district in the past two years, and this is part of our ongoing commitment to combat violent crime. “Chelmsford has a flourishing night time economy, and we ensure we have officers out on patrol in busy areas. “A crucial part of the role of our officers is to defuse trouble before it escalates.

“We also work closely with partner agencies, such as Chelmsford Borough Council, with voluntary organisations such as the Street Pastors, and with local licencees. “Chelmsford has a thriving PubWatch group, and the Behave Or Be Banned scheme can be used against those who cause trouble in public houses and other licensed venues.”

He added: “The reduction of violent crime against the person by 441 offences over the past two years strongly suggests the various measures we are taking are helping to make Chelmsford district an even safer place to live and work.”

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