Speeding up trend in crime reduction
PEOPLE getting drunk in the town centres are among the targets of Operation Identity which aims to tackle antisocial behaviour in the area.
The scheme is being overseen by Dover district's new police commander Chief Inspector Darren Mullins.
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CRIME REDUCTION: New Dover District Area Commander Chief Inspector Darren Mullins
Ch Insp Mullins has been in the police top spot for just over two months, replacing Ch Insp Ken Elmes who has moved to a post at Kent Police headquarters in Maidstone.
The Formula One enthusiast says his main aim is to accelerate the trend of crime reduction across the district.
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The 40-year-old, who has been in the Force for 20 years, said: "What we are targeting is all encompassing crime and disorder.
"Everything falls under that, particularly burglary, vehicle crime, offences of violence. We will target antisocial behaviour really seriously.
"Operation Identity is zero tolerance looking at drunks and antisocial behaviour in the town centres. The lead up to the Olympics is not the sole reason but when visitors come to Dover we want them to see it is a pretty good place to live."
Ch Insp Mullins says crime figures show a drop of 20 per cent in offences in May compared to the same period last year and 33 offences of burglary across the district since April 1.
He said: "At the moment we are one of the top performing districts in terms of crime reduction and crime detection. The district is 20 per cent down because we are targeting the right people, ensuring staff know what is required of them and have support from the public making sure they phone in when they see something suspicious."
Ch Insp Mullins has worked in the district before as a PC in Dover during the 1990s and then as a uniformed inspector between 2006 and 2008. He was also part of the intelligence unit based in Folkestone and most recently a chief inspector with Critical Incident Command, based in Maidstone, dealing with incidents such as those involving firearms.
He said: "It is really good to be back working in this area. I'm really enjoying it and have a great team of people working with me."
The fitness fan says working under the new policing model, which has included a £50 million budget reduction for Kent Police over four years, is "challenging" but reviews since November have ironed out the process.
Changes in the district force include the shedding of Neighbourhood Task Teams, introduced in 2009. There are now five neighbourhood policing teams and town centre teams in Dover, Deal and Sandwich.
Ch Insp Mullins said: "My team and myself are working across the district and go wherever the problems are. We are working very hard to tackle crime and disorder.
"The message is that there is a big reduction in crime so people should not be scared to go out of their front doors."
Comments
by MrSwing
Friday, June 15 2012, 4:37PM
“CCI Mullins isnt going to do anything in reality is he.He will sit in his office thinking up stupid slogans and schemes which will have zero effect on anything apart from his career progression and his standing at the local lodge.”
by TheRanter
Friday, June 15 2012, 8:20AM
“Yet another newly promoted district commander getting his face in the papers and saying absolutely nothing new or relevant. He might as well say 'police to police' or 'police to do their jobs'. His predecessor no doubt spouted the same ploddly**** when he initially took over. Crime in any area is carried out by a small number of people - most of whom are already known to police, the courts, social services, local authorities and housing associations. Despite all the waffle about 'partnership' in reality problems are allowed to develop and fester and any action, judicial or otherwise takes far too long.”
by HSDEAL
Thursday, June 14 2012, 10:57AM
“At the Deal Town AGM Kent Police had to acknowledge that crime had rised in the town over the past year. The Police Station opening hours have been cut back and last week a report on District litter prosecutions showed DDC had not issued a single fine over the last 3 years.
Furthermore community and Police relations are at an all time low after a string of high profile crimes which caused widespread outrage have still not resulted in any arrests.”