News / Crime
Crime falls by three quarters in Bearpit since summer cleanup
The number of anti-social behaviour incidents and crimes reported to Avon & Somerset Police have fallen by 75 percent since the Bearpit was reopened in July following a major cleanup project.
In the two months prior to the five-week closure of the sunken roundabout, there were 17 crime reports relating to violent, theft and sexual offences. The police also received 83 calls relating to anti-social behaviour, concerns about public safety and other crime.
In the period since the reopening, just four crimes have been reported in the area, a drop of 76 per cent. Police call handlers have taken 17 calls, a 72 per cent drop; with no reports of violent or sexual offences received in the past two months.
is needed now More than ever
Bristol mayor Marvin Rees said: “We’ve been clear all along that the huge clean-up operation in the Beaprit was about tackling anti-social behaviour and securing public safety. The latest figures demonstrate the positive impact from cleaning up the space.
“While we would much rather spend public funding in other ways, we could not turn a blind eye to the situation or ignore requests from the public to take action.
“We want to look ahead now to the future opportunities for the space and ensure the safer, more welcoming environment continues.
“We will continue to work with, the local community, businesses, the police and others to find a longer term, positive solution that makes the best use of the area.”
The cleanup operation cost a total of £250,000, with the move to clean up the areas triggered by police officers stepping in to shut the area temporarily in response to a serious violent crime that saw one victim receive facial injuries following an assault.
Inspector Rob Cheeseman said: “We’ve been fully supportive of the council and its work tackling the issues which affected the Bearpit and it’s extremely pleasing to see the hard work and commitment paying off.
“While it is early days, the improvements the council has made have led to a significant fall in incidents of criminality and anti-social behaviour and the area is now a really positive community space.”
Read more: End of an era as Bearpit bear dismantled
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