Action as East Riding sees 801 victims of violent crime in six months

POLICE are stepping up action to reduce violence in the East Riding after 801 people were victims in just six months.

Latest crime figures show violent crime has reduced by 19.2 per cent, but the East Riding's top police officer insists more must be done.

Senior police officers have been tasked with cutting violence, with new measures including drafting in special constables to boost public order patrols at night.

Figures for April to September show there were 801 cases of violence, compared with 991 in the same period last year.

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Chief Superintendent Richard Kerman said: "Although we have seen a reduction of 190 violent crimes, we still have 801 victims who have been subject to violence.

"That is too many. It is mainly public order situations at night and domestic violence.

"There is definitely violence on a night-time, particularly in Bridlington, Beverley and Goole and in other parts of the East Riding.

"It's apparent in the urban areas."

Chief Supt Kerman said public order patrols at night have been stepped up at weekends to reduce the number of assaults.

He said: "Our special constables have traditionally worked in neighbourhood policing but we have recently got some working on public order duties.

"We are also working with our partners to reduce violent crime.

"We aim to give a good service to the public and deal robustly with crime and disorder."

For major events such as the annual Ladies' Day at Beverley Races, police have stepped up cover in the town and issued rowdies with 24-hour banning orders to nip drink-fuelled trouble in the bud.

Trouble on the August race day was much reduced, with the number of arrests more than halved.

But these included arrests for violence, including a glassing at a town centre pub.

Crime overall in the East Riding has reduced by 19.6 per cent.

Major reductions in vehicle crime, domestic burglary and criminal damage have helped drive down offences.

It follows police warnings that 40 per cent of burglaries and 35 per cent of vehicle crime was the result of unsecured property or valuable items being left on view in vehicles.

Police have also targeted criminals on the East Riding's roads at night, including vehicle checks and the use of number plate recognition cameras.

Chief Supt Kerman said: "We have travelling criminals coming into the East Riding.

"Two arrests we have made for diesel thefts were suspects from Manchester and South Yorkshire.

"I think travelling villains do see the East Riding as easy pickings, so it's our job to be proactive."