Burglary, arson and shoplifting all down in Hartlepool

There were 127 fewer crimes recorded for the town between October and December compared to the same period in the previous year making a 6% reduction.

House burglary experienced one of the biggest reductions during the period down 42.2% year on year followed by incidents of anti-social behaviour reported to police which saw a drop of just under 19%.

The Safer Hartlepool Partnership body, which includes the council, police, fire, health and other agencies, say it is testament to their collaborative working despite having fewer resources.

Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, council leader and partnership chairman, said of the figures: “I’m delighted especially as the trend across Cleveland is very much about an increase in crime.

“I think all the intervention we have put in place as a partnership is now reaping the rewards by working together across Hartlepool with the other agencies.

“It is quite surprising bearing in mind everyone has got reduced resources and demonstrates how working collaboratively can have a reduction in crime.

“It is about delivering services differently.”

Lynn Beeston, Cleveland Police Chief Inspector, said Hartlepool was on course for an overall 15% reduction in anti-social behaviour by the end of March compared to very minimal drops elsewhere in Cleveland.

Shoplifting experienced a 10% drop in Hartlepool for the third quarter of the year and there were 57 fewer arsons, a 45% reduction.

Reports of violence against people increased by just under 12% year on year for the time period from 205 to 220 incidents.

And the number of sex crimes being reported doubled from 18 complaints in 2014 to 36 in 2015.

Rachel Parker, community safety research officer, said: “It’s worth noting an increase in sexual offences continues to relate to historical crimes being reported which demonstrates the confidence victims now have to come forward.”