Met denies 'massaging' crime figures (From Surrey Comet)

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Met denies 'massaging' crime figures

11:11am Friday 18th April 2008

comment Comments (39) Have your say »

By Guardian Reporter »

The Met Police have denied 'massaging' crime figures for political reasons.

The force was accused of bowing to pressure and deliberately preventing people from reporting crime to keep crime figures low in a report printed yesterday in a London newspaper.

"Since 2002 these published figures have shown that overall crime in London has fallen year-on-year."
Deputy Commissioner Paul Stephenson

The statistics were also said to be 'inaccurate' and not a true reflection of the amount of crime in London.

But the Met's Deputy Commissioner Paul Stephenson rejected the claims.

He said: "The Met has had a policy of publishing its crime figures on a monthly basis for almost 10 years.

"Since 2002 these published figures have shown that overall crime in London has fallen year-on-year.

"Any suggestion that the Met "fixes" its crime figures would be misleading and not only damages the reputation of the Met Police, but would be disparaging to the thousands of men and women from the Met who every day are risking their lives and having major success in tackling crime to make London safe."

Mr Stephenson said crime figures were subject to a "high level of scrutiny".

And he said it was Scotland Yard which approached the Metropolitan Police Authority to undertake scrutiny of crime reporting data, which was being criticised by the media.

But he expressed concern about unacceptable levels of bureaucracy getting in the way of real police work.

"This is something we raised with Sir Ronnie Flanagan and upon which he reflects in his review of policing," he added.

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ANNE GILES, SELSDON says...
12:55pm Fri 18 Apr 08

People are always accusing police of preventing people from reporting crime. It is absolute rubbish. I have reported crime time and time again, and have always been taken seriously. Let's just hope that we don't get any negative comments on this story from people who can't think clearly.

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Michael Loveder, says...
1:45pm Fri 18 Apr 08

ANNE GILES wrote:
People are always accusing police of preventing people from reporting crime. It is absolute rubbish. I have reported crime time and time again, and have always been taken seriously. Let's just hope that we don't get any negative comments on this story from people who can't think clearly.

Communication channels may be better in Surrey. In Inner London it is not the same. Trying to get through to Kennington Police station can border on the impossible. I have had my car vandalised 4 times and only been able to report it twice. By telephone you can stay on hold forever and the Met website seems to suffer numerous technical problems. I do not have the time to stand and wait ages in the station reception either. The local Housing Office have conceded they have not reported vandalism to housing estate security (door entry systems) because they do not know who is responsible for the damage (despite CCTV installations!) I have no doubt the Police are very busy - their inconsiderate sirens keep me awake half the night! Even with lack of sleep I can sometimes think clearly!!

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Bob Peel, Croydon says...
2:54pm Fri 18 Apr 08

A sentence from the article should read, "Since 2002 these published figures have shown that overall REPORTED crime in London has fallen year-on-year."

Events are not being reported because they are bored with being held at the switchboard, then waiting upto 40 mins to speak to someone only to be told, 'that's not a crime.'

As a result reporting has fallen and you can't lie about that which does not exist.

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545, off at ten. 545 over, behind front desk, ZY says...
3:10pm Fri 18 Apr 08

That's right Bob, you tell 'em as it is, you miserable old git.

Don't forget to do the book 90 entry and clear your tray before you clear off!

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ric, kingston says...
3:19pm Fri 18 Apr 08

i agree with bob.

old or not.

Report this post »

carly, london says...
3:49pm Fri 18 Apr 08

Its perfect in in perfect Selsdon again, why arent more people living there. Not only is there hardly any crime, the crime that does hapen gets reported & taken seriously.
People we are living in the wrong area!!

Darling if you have to oppse to everyones views, do it well like ric!

Report this post »

Jean, tooting says...
5:12pm Fri 18 Apr 08

I wish I could have some Selsdon police where I live. We never see a policeman and it is impossible to report a crime

Report this post »

Factoid, chavtown says...
9:19pm Fri 18 Apr 08

Anne Giles wrote

I have reported crime time and time again, and have always been taken seriously

It must be getting bad in Selsdon now with all that crime you have had to report, maybe you need to move Anne.

Mrs Naive 2008!

Report this post »

ANNE GILES, SELSDON says...
10:12pm Fri 18 Apr 08

I never said I had reported crime in Selsdon, did I? I have reported occasional crime in Selsdon, but also on Riddlesdown Common, Forestdale, Monks Hill, Addington Park, Fairfield Car Park and surrounding areas, the Town Centre, St. George's Walk, Coulsdon East, Coulsdon West, Purley and Kenley. I cannot believe that any intelligent human being would imagine that people only stay in their own areas! Most of us go out, whether for work or pleasure, or both. My mother's cousin was an eminent brain surgeon, if anyone posting here needs one!!!

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Malcolm, says...
8:05am Sat 19 Apr 08

DC "Paul Stephenson"says crime fig were subjected to a high level of scrutiny...but the fact is that the police failed to take any notice of the concerns of the ordinary people his force was set up to protect?
most people living in the North of Croydon NO THAT CRIME is endemic and has got out of hand...No one will tell you that the fear of crime is better now than 2-5-10-15 years ago.

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Old Dragon, Battersea says...
12:06pm Sat 19 Apr 08

ANNE GILES wrote:
People are always accusing police of preventing people from reporting crime. It is absolute rubbish. I have reported crime time and time again, and have always been taken seriously. Let\'s just hope that we don\'t get any negative comments on this story from people who can\'t think clearly.

Well aren't you the fortunate one! Any phone to the police from me and neighbours only gets a 2 hour return call to see 'if the problem is still there' - confirm that it is and you still see no police presence, but you will get another phone call two hours after the first one to find out if the problem is still there. The only police we see are lost with the A to Z in their hands.

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ANNE GILES, SELSDON says...
9:36pm Sat 19 Apr 08

I am sorry to hear that. Have you tried looking at the Met Police web site - look up Battersea, and you should find the numbers and e-mail of your Safer Neighbourhood Team. Get in touch with them and air your concerns. I am sure they will help.

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Mike, says...
9:40pm Sat 19 Apr 08

If you want a policeman fast then go out side and start taking photographs of passing cars.

They will be round in 10 minutes to stop and search you as a suspected terrorist.

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N3O, kingston says...
9:06am Mon 21 Apr 08

reporting a crime is like writing down what you spend a month, you can look at it when you want but nothing is ever done about it. except they are pretty quick in sending out the "do you need counselling" letters...
i believe we are never told the truth, we'd all go mad if we were.

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ANNE GILES, SELSDON says...
9:09am Mon 21 Apr 08

Wrong - you report a crime properly and police will act. If you are not happy, contact your Safer Neighbourhood Team Sergeant. To find out who he/she is, look on the Met.Police web site for Croydon, under Safer Neighbourhood Teams.

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N3O, kingston says...
9:20am Mon 21 Apr 08

about 3 weeks ago i phoned the police to tell them 2 mopeds were going around basically robbing cars....they did nothing and another 2 got done...police are useless....and you cant just say "wrong" what do you know lady

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Sarah, Surrey says...
9:49am Mon 21 Apr 08

ANNE GILES wrote:
Wrong - you report a crime properly and police will act. If you are not happy, contact your Safer Neighbourhood Team Sergeant. To find out who he/she is, look on the Met.Police web site for Croydon, under Safer Neighbourhood Teams.

OH Dear! Anne "Birkenstock" Giles to the rescue.
How many teenagers have u reported for just being kids this week?

Report this post »

ric, kingston says...
11:19am Mon 21 Apr 08

Anne's phone

speed dial...

1 = police
2 = neighbourhood watch
3 council
4 guardian newspaper
5 laura ashley

Report this post »

L.Urker, says...
11:54am Mon 21 Apr 08

6= crimewatch.
7= watchdog.
8= tv license/bbc.
9= Andrew Lloyd Weber.
10= curtain twitchers weekly magazine.
11=lol

Report this post »

ANNE GILES, SELSDON says...
1:59pm Mon 21 Apr 08

What a hoot! Oh, well - I am glad to see that some of you have a sense of humour!!

Report this post »

545, off at ten. 545 over, behind front desk, ZY says...
2:35pm Mon 21 Apr 08

"Sorry to bother your game of patience Mr Gore but the incredible's happened. Someone has managed to report a crime in Selsdon!"

"Tell me Constable, was it reported by Anne Giles?"

"No Sir, it wasn't."

"Well ignore it then - and don't interrupt me with such inconveniences again."

That short piece was dedicated to 'The Badge of Courage,' because as ever 'Dull, it isn't!

Report this post »

PassTheDonutsSarge, says...
3:42pm Mon 21 Apr 08

Mr Stephenson said crime figures were subject to a "high level of scrutiny".

No one had told the police the stat sheets were double sided.

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bobby, south west london says...
11:07pm Mon 21 Apr 08

If people knew that amount of calls made to police every time (and at least 50% are utter rubbish, yet a lot that are classed as immediate response) then maybe they would understand why the few cars patrolling your area are only able to respond to the ones that appear the most serious.

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James, Mitcham says...
8:30am Tue 22 Apr 08

Jean of Tooting, If you are having trouble reporting a crime in Tooting get on the 280 and report it a Mitcham, it's open 24 hrs and I have never had to wait more than 10-15 minutes to be seen, also try contacting your SNT,I live in the same area and am seeing police & PCSO's daily, and although Pcso's can't take reports if you give them deatils thay wil pass them on.It is actually very simple to report/give information but it might mean actually doing something for yourself for once.

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Bob Peel, Croydon says...
11:18am Tue 22 Apr 08

bobby wrote:
If people knew that amount of calls made to police every time (and at least 50% are utter rubbish, yet a lot that are classed as immediate response) then maybe they would understand why the few cars patrolling your area are only able to respond to the ones that appear the most serious.

All calls are serious to the person who made it - that is what 'serving the public' is about. Perhaps they didn't issue the white notes on that when you were at Hendon (assuming that you went there in the first place).

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Frances, says...
11:43am Tue 22 Apr 08

Of course all calls are deemed serious to the person making them, but try dealing with them all in the field when many Officers have been removed from the 'beat' and placed behind a desk to make up the numbers. (Not something they had hoped for in Hendon) Thus reducing the numbers available to react to an emergency call. The Public don't know half! Ideal World springs to mind......

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John, says...
12:10pm Tue 22 Apr 08

Anne
Are you Miss Marple living in Croydon's equivalent of Midsomer?
Perhaps the Police are too frightened not to respond?:-)

Report this post »

Bob Peel, Croydon says...
12:48pm Tue 22 Apr 08

Frances wrote:
Of course all calls are deemed serious to the person making them, but try dealing with them all in the field when many Officers have been removed from the 'beat' and placed behind a desk to make up the numbers. (Not something they had hoped for in Hendon) Thus reducing the numbers available to react to an emergency call. The Public don't know half! Ideal World springs to mind......

What are 'White Notes' Frances?

What's the difference between a S17 and S18 search?

Please do answer, seeing as you suggest you know better.....

Report this post »

Michael Loveder, Lambeth says...
1:41pm Tue 22 Apr 08

bobby wrote:
If people knew that amount of calls made to police every time (and at least 50% are utter rubbish, yet a lot that are classed as immediate response) then maybe they would understand why the few cars patrolling your area are only able to respond to the ones that appear the most serious.

I get the impression from these comments that the "utter rubbish" gets through by dialling 999 because callers cannot get speak to anyone any other way. Whilst this is clearly wrong the Met need to deal with communication channels to address this. For example if you witness a crime and want to report it what do you do? Is it an emergency? If you are cautious and telephone the local station the criminal will be tucked up in bed by the time you get through to the control room ...

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ANNE GILES, SELSDON says...
9:12pm Tue 22 Apr 08

You dial 999 for crime in progress - whatever it is. If you are reporting an event which has happened, then it is not 999. They are now answering the calls a lot quicker than before, but they have to prioritise. How quickly they come depends on just how busy they are, but if someone is in danger, then that one is a priority, and the rest of us have to wait. However, I have been pleased that they have rung me later to make sure that things are O.K. (or not OK, as the case may be, in which case they know that they are still required to come). Unfortunately, Friday and Saturday nights are going to be the worst for lots of calls.

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N3O, kingston says...
8:46am Wed 23 Apr 08

id say an S17 means sit on your ar*e and eat a donut, and an S18 means home time put your blue lights on to get home lol.
honestly...all the police have to do is get off motorists backs for 10 minutes and they may be able to help some proper people with problems.

Report this post »

carly, london says...
9:50am Wed 23 Apr 08

Went through a census point today, was about 15 police officers standing there having a chat & not bothering to do anything. Good old British police force for ya, makes ya proud on a day like today dont it.
Thats why no one turns up to a real crime, police are all faffing about trying to catch impossible crime, if thats what you call trying

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ANNE GILES, SELSDON says...
10:05am Wed 23 Apr 08

N30 - go into www.met.police.uk/ki
ngston and then Safer Neighbourhood Teams. Find the one for your area and contact the Sergeant about your concerns.
Carly - on another post I gave you www.met.police.uk/wa
ndsworth and www.met.police.uk/me
rton. Do the same. I am quite sure the officers you saw were there because they had been informed that something was about to happen and that they would be needed.

Report this post »

Ros, Cheam says...
9:34am Fri 25 Apr 08

How many crimes do people not even bother reporting. My husband's van has been broken into 4 times in the last six months, costing us several thousand pounds. My daughter's car has had the wing mirrors kicked off, along with 4 others in the road and I don't think anybody reported it, as it wouldn't achieve anything. If reported, no one will be caught, true crime figures will be known and insurance costs will go up. I haven't seen a policeman or PCSO on foot in our road for years. One neighbour even had her York stone drive taken up and stolen and the police could do nothing.

But crime figures are down!!

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ANNE GILES, SELSDON says...
6:38pm Fri 25 Apr 08

OK - I've looked up the Safer Neighbourhood Team for Cheam. Sergeant Brendan McWilliams - Tel. 020 8721 2830 e-mail Cheam.snt@met.police
.uk
Get in touch with him and - best of luck!
Newsletter

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ANNE GILES, SELSDON says...
1:40pm Tue 29 Apr 08

So go into www.met.police.uk/ch
eam and you will find details of your Safer Neighbourhood Team. Speak to them.

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Met PC, London says...
6:25pm Thu 1 May 08

Many many PCs are sent out to find people with cannabis or deal with public order and get a detected crime. this allows the Home Office to quote us as "solving more crime"
Whilst cannabis and public order need dealing with this is distracting officers away from their core duties.
I totally agree with the article that we are massaging figures.

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PATRICIA DENNIS, SOUTH CROYDON says...
9:19pm Sun 4 May 08

What core duties???All crime solving is important - whether burglary, anti-social behaviour or cannabis. If a scooter rider is caught doing a "wheelie" - this is a crime detected and stopped. He could easily hit a child on the pavement and kill them. A cannabis smoker with his brains in cloud cuckoo-land is capable of anything. Now try to use that brain of yours (if you have one).

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ZD Officer, ZD says...
12:10pm Mon 5 May 08

I guess he/she means that they are being asked to prioritise looking and getting detections than answering 999 calls.
So......
If you're being burgled/assaulted/ro

bbed and call 999, instead of driving to your location as fast and safely as possible I'll be on Selson Road looking for cannabis smokers.
Good luck

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