Prioritisation of burglary crime
Joint Local Policing Leads response on the prioritsation of burglary crime, as some forces announce their commitment to attend all domestic burglaries.
The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners Joint Local Policing Leads and Police and Crime Commissioners Jeff Cuthbert and Steve Turner, said: “The public rightly expect that when they report a burglary to the police that it is taken seriously and investigated.
“Burglary is an invasive crime and can have a significant impact on those who become victim to it.
“With the winter months drawing closer and the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis growing, we have significant concerns that this will only see an increase in acquisitive crime such as burglary.
“It is important to note that the way in which burglary is recorded does need to be made clear to the public so that they understand the true picture and nature of the crime occurring in their neighbourhoods.
“The latest HMICFRS report on Finding Time for Crime gave recommendations to forces to improve their investigations around burglary and ensure adequate victim support and supervision of investigations. We will continue to hold forces to account for their prioritisation and investigations of burglary and ensure these recommendations are embedded as a priority.
“PCCs have already been pivotal in improving the police response to burglary in some force areas and nationally we are currently reviewing what we can do to ensure the best possible response for burglary victims.
“Prevention is also a key part of this and as PCCs we are best placed to deliver on this locally. We will continue our work around funding services and initiatives to support all victims of crime and reduce crime in our communities and we are encouraging the public to utilise local schemes on offer to protect their premises and property.”