Police Chiefs in England and Wales Achieve Target of Attending Every Home Burglary Scene
Police chiefs in England and Wales have successfully met their target to attend every domestic burglary scene, according to the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC). The pledge was made as part of a set of standards announced last year to eliminate regional disparities in policing.
While the policy has had a modest impact on burglary-solving rates, the NPCC cited evidence from the College of Policing, suggesting that increased attendance after a burglary would enhance victim safety and aid investigations. In August 2022, a report by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) revealed that most burglary, robbery, and theft victims were not receiving the justice they deserved.
The NPCC has confirmed that all 43 forces in England and Wales successfully implemented the new policy by March of this year. Deputy Chief Constable Alex Franklin-Smith, on BBC Radio 4’s Today program, emphasized the positive step taken to address regional discrepancies in policing quality. He stated that the consistent response across forces ensures that victims of crime can rely on a prompt and thorough investigation.
While there were over 271,000 burglary incidents in 2022, as reported by the Office for National Statistics, the rates are declining. DCC Franklin-Smith noted that burglary numbers have dropped by 50% in the past decade, returning to pre-pandemic levels.
Regarding the impact on burglary-solving rates, DCC Franklin-Smith mentioned a slight increase but cautioned against claiming significant improvements at this stage. However, he acknowledged that the Home Office had introduced a new method of recording burglaries, distinguishing between instances where the perpetrator has entered a home. This change provides clearer data and ensures that home burglaries receive appropriate attention.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman expressed her delight in seeing the commitment fulfilled, believing it would bolster public confidence and lead to the capture of more criminals.
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