News Story - Are crime rates on the up on in Southampton?

Residents of Southampton have shown concern due to what seems like an increase in reported crimes in their city.

Local police are confident that the number of reported crimes in the Southampton city area is less than this time last year, however, residents are in dispute as it seems witness appeals and crime scenes are appearing on a regular basis.

PCSO Tracy Dang from the Hampshire Police has said: “Ratings have actually gone down compared to the previous years. A lot of crimes reported in this area involve students, meaning the weekends are the busiest for us when people are out drinking. The main areas being reported, again, are student areas such as Bedford Place and around Bliss Clubrooms off the high-street. I would advise people not to be out, especially of a night time, if they do not need to be. We are constantly patrolling the areas and talking to residents to get their views on how we can make the area safer.”

Statistics have recently shown that there has been a 75% increase in burglaries alone since the start of the new year, throwing residents into uproar concerning their safety. Local police officers have advised that all residents must keep properties secure at all times, especially garages and garden sheds as in the majority of the cases recently burglars have entered the property using tools belonging to the victim generally found in their own outdoor storage areas.
PSCO Dang also commented on the issue of burglary ratings when she said: “There are a lot of burglaries around the Polygon and student housing areas, this is where it seems to be the worst. The only advice I can give is to keep everything locked, even if you are home. When you leave the house, make sure expensive possessions aren’t visible to anybody who may look in.”

Residents are also advised to take caution while walking around the city centre. The local authority has warned residents, especially females, to avoid roaming the city on their own at any time. This came after an incident occurred in a local city park after a woman was attacked on her way home from Southampton Solent University at around 5pm, leaving the victim needing treatment at a local hospital.

Maureen Plummer, a parent of a student living in the area, has shown concern for her daughters safety: “I do worry a lot about my daughter, especially on nights out with her friends as I know a good way to save money is to walk home. She is always telling me about these incidents nearby and I can’t help but be concerned when I know she is going out. She’s a sensible girl but its other people I do not trust.”

Police officials are also warning parents about the risk to their children. This comes after an appalling case involving a young girl, who was held hostage in her own home, after a gang of armed burglars broke into the family home. The men left the house with a safe containing around 3000 pounds worth of cash and jewellery. The young girl has been left traumatised, with the family now looking to move out of the area.

Incidents such as these are happening on a day to day basis and police do not want to take any chances but they desperately need the help of local residents, reporting anything suspicious and making sure they are taking all precautions for their own safety.