Many are 'satisfied' with level of policing in town
By Jo Deeks on Wednesday, 29th November 2000.
SUFFOLK police have received a higher rating in Haverhill than in any other area of the county.
At the Haverhill sector policing forum held at Great Thurlow this week, members of the public voted on various issues using an interactive system like that on TV's Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
The survey found that 90 per cent of the 35 people present were either very or fairly satisfied with policing the best so far out of the 16 forums in Suffolk.
Insp Mike Bacon said he was very pleased with the attendance and with the response to policing.
He reported that crime in Haverhill had increased by one per cent between April and September, compared with eight per cent across Suffolk as a whole.
"In terms of crime we are in a better position than many parts of the county, which is very good considering Haverhill is the fourth largest town in Suffolk, growing rapidly and has a high proportion of young people," he said.
"One of my roles is to expunge the myth that Haverhill has high crime and is a violent place. A small group of people is responsible for a large percentage of the crime. We know who they are and we targeting them," Insp Bacon said.
Violent crime has risen by 30 per cent, in line with the rest of the county.
The increase is partly due to increased reporting of incidents but Insp Bacon said Operation Liberate had been launched to reduce violent crime, with high-profile Friday and Saturday night patrols planned.
Issues raised by the public included speeding in villages and concerns over travellers at Hundon and Stradishall.
At the Haverhill sector policing forum held at Great Thurlow this week, members of the public voted on various issues using an interactive system like that on TV's Who Wants to be a Millionaire.
The survey found that 90 per cent of the 35 people present were either very or fairly satisfied with policing the best so far out of the 16 forums in Suffolk.
Insp Mike Bacon said he was very pleased with the attendance and with the response to policing.
He reported that crime in Haverhill had increased by one per cent between April and September, compared with eight per cent across Suffolk as a whole.
"In terms of crime we are in a better position than many parts of the county, which is very good considering Haverhill is the fourth largest town in Suffolk, growing rapidly and has a high proportion of young people," he said.
"One of my roles is to expunge the myth that Haverhill has high crime and is a violent place. A small group of people is responsible for a large percentage of the crime. We know who they are and we targeting them," Insp Bacon said.
Violent crime has risen by 30 per cent, in line with the rest of the county.
The increase is partly due to increased reporting of incidents but Insp Bacon said Operation Liberate had been launched to reduce violent crime, with high-profile Friday and Saturday night patrols planned.
Issues raised by the public included speeding in villages and concerns over travellers at Hundon and Stradishall.
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