Maria Miller, MP for Basingstoke, recently had one of her regular updates from Chief Inspector Andy Bottomley, District Commander for Basingstoke and Deane.  They discussed a range of issues relating to crime and policing in the Basingstoke area, and the challenges ahead. Maria welcomed the news that detection rates for all types of crime in the Borough have improved over the last year.

Maria welcomed the news that detection rates for all types of crime in the Borough have improved over the last year. She also noted that there had been a small increase in the number of police officers in Basingstoke and that, unlike in some other areas, the role of the neighbourhood officers was being protected.

Maria was briefed on the priority that the police have been giving to tackling crime in Basingstoke town centre, particularly at night time. She was told that violent crime in the town centre has fallen by 17% over the last three years, with assaults down by 15%, and violent crime in the town centre at night (between 11pm and 3am) has fallen by 15% ,and assault by 27%.

Maria said: “It is really good to hear about the work being done by the police, with partners, to make Basingstoke town centre a safer place for everyone to enjoy. Increased street patrols by uniformed police, as well as firmer action to deal with problems at licensed premises, and the great job that the Basingstoke Street Pastors do, have all combined to make our town centre a safer place for everyone to live and work in, and visit.”