POLICE, CRIME AND ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR UPDATE ISSUE 82: 16 NOVEMBER – 13 DECEMBER 2023
CRIME STATS Over the last month there has been a decrease in reported crime, from 641 to 594. Theft and violence against the person have increased slightly, with a decrease in public
order offences and vehicle crime. As always, the police would like to encourage everyone to report any criminal activity witnessed.
OFFENDER SENTENCED AFTER ATTEMPTED MOTORCYCLE THEFT On 23 October 2023 an incident took place in Berkeley Square, Clifton involving the attempted theft of a motorcycle. The incident involved three masked individuals attempting to steal a motorcycle and threatening members of the public with a hammer. On 22 November 2023, a 17-year-old suspect was issued a six-month prison sentence for the offence, with a second 16-year-old suspect arrested and charged in relation to the incident. The second individual is due to reappear in court in February 2024 after pleading not guilty. A charging decision is being sought from the Crown Prosecution Service for a third suspect interviewed over the matter. Fortunately, the attempted theft was unsuccessful, and nobody was harmed. Local city centre neighbourhood police Inspector Adam Dolling explained: ‘The actual
incident which stunned onlookers at the time was captured on camera as it took place. It was subsequently posted online and went viral, receiving many thousands of viewings. The police are very grateful for the clarity of the footage taken by a quick-thinking member of the public, which made great evidence in the investigation and helped bring offenders to justice.’ During a hearing at Bristol Magistrates’ Court, the 17-year-old receiving the custodial sentence admitted to charges of attempted robbery, theft of a motor vehicle, breach of bail conditions, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance. In addition to the six-month Detention and Training Order, a 12month Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) was
imposed. The CBO includes restrictions preventing the individual from: • Engaging in any conduct that will cause harassment, alarm, or distress. • Being in possession, sitting on, riding, or being a passenger of any motorcycle, moped, electric bike or electric scooter. • Associating with other named individuals. • Being in possession of a balaclava in public. Experienced Anti-Social Behaviour Coordinator Kelly Parsons commented: ‘We welcome the sentence given out by the court, which included the granting of a full Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO). This order is designed to place restrictive conditions on the defendant, to deter any future offences. Breaching a CBO can result in a further prison sentence.’
thefts, dangerous and anti-social driving, robbery and threatening behaviour. Up to now, this operation has led to positive outcomes, including other arrests and a reduction in anti-social behaviour. To prevent further incidents, motorcycle owners can ensure their motorcycle is fully identifiable by following the recommended security steps: • Use disc locks, ideally those with mini alarms fitted, every time you leave the bike. • Install a tracker and monitoring app. • Chain the bike to an immovable object with a quality chain and padlock. • Where possible, park in a busy area, ideally with CCTV and street lighting. • Recording the VIN and etching or stamping it in other places on the bike.
The sentencing follows an operation conducted by the police over several months, aimed at targeting crime and anti-social behaviour relating to motorbikes, mopeds, and e-bicycles in the city. The operation was launched in response to communities across the city who reported an increase in vehicle
To report any suspicious or anti-social behaviour involving a motorcycle, please call 999 for a crime that is in progress or where somebody could be hurt. Alternatively, please report any important information by calling 101 or online.
THE RETURN OF THE CHRISTMAS MARKET With Bristol Christmas Market in the city until 23 December 2023, residents and businesses can expect to see an influx of visitors to the local area. Due to the increase in visitors, the police have increased their presence and operations throughout the city this month, to ensure that everybody has a happy and crime-free festive period. This includes an increase in Project Servator deployments taking place. This is a highly visible policing tactic involving a range of resources such as specially trained plain clothes officers and other specialist teams.
These deployments will be working closely with local security and shop staff to counteract theft and protect the community.
COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS IN BRISTOL There has been an increase in reports of individuals selling products from carrier bags in the Broadmead area. These items are likely to be counterfeit and can be harmful. The police have seized numerous carrier bags in the last two weeks and have stopped the involved persons, who are due to be dealt with under the Fraud Act. The police are also liaising with Bristol City Council and Trading Standards. These counterfeit items are known to look genuine, often being sold by individuals from carrier bags at discounted prices. To protect legitimate businesses in the area and prevent
any further victims, please be vigilant and report any instances as soon as possible so these groups of people can be dealt with.
A MESSAGE FROM PCSO NAT NAYLOR ‘Thank you to all our levy payers for their help and support over the year by reporting instances of crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB). We have had some amazing results, with ASB offenders and shoplifters receiving sentences and banning orders, Community Protection Warnings and Community Protection Notices. We have even managed to get Community Behaviour Orders on some of our most prolific offenders. As we are coming into the new year, please do not stop reporting. If you find you’re becoming a target of ASB or Criminal behaviour, please report to 101, 999, or report online. Get in contact with the BID and I will visit and where I can, support your business to tackle these challenging issues.
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year’
All of the above information has been provided by Avon and Somerset Police directly.