Police miss chances to catch burglary and robbery offenders, says report - as Hampshire crime commissioner Donna Jones supports ‘back to basics’ approach

Donna Jones has said that she supports a ‘back to basics approach to improve outcomes for victims of these crimes’ in response to the Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) review.

It was published today.

Inspectors found that forces are missing opportunities to identify and catch offenders, and lack investigative capacity and capability to effectively tackle these types of crimes.

The report also said that police are not doing all they can to help victims when they report crimes - in 71 per cent of the burglary reports examined, police personnel did not give victims any advice on crime-scene preservation during the initial call.

The review has made two recommendations for police forces in England and Wales to ensure they are conducting burglary, robbery and theft investigations effectively: improving crime scene management, and ensuring proper supervision so that investigations are conducted effectively.

Mrs Jones said: ‘I know from my contact with the public that they are not always getting the service they expect.

‘Burglary and theft are not minor crimes. They make people feel unsafe. They have long-lasting impacts on people and risk having a knock-on effect in wider communities if they are not dealt with.

‘HMICFRS has made two recommendations to forces which are underpinned by a back to basics approach in terms of carrying out thorough investigations which I fully support.

‘The review also rightly mentions the police’s responsibility for managing offenders in the community, and reducing reoffending rates by those who have previously committed these type of crimes.

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‘The report specifically highlights a positive scheme being used in Hampshire which uses electronic monitoring for offenders released on licence who have served sentences of 12 months or more for robbery, burglary or vehicle crime.

‘I am pleased Hampshire has been recognised in the report for these crime reduction initiatives.

‘However more needs to be done.

‘Part of my police and crime plan outlines how I am making sure the Constabulary are identifying opportunities to roll out ‘days of action’ to apprehend prolific offenders, keep victims of burglary and theft updated, and ensure all domestic burglaries are thoroughly investigated.’