I attended the Acocks Green Tier 2 Tasking Meeting this morning, which was chaired by PC Ian Upston.

Total Crime in Acocks Green has fallen by 1.5% year to date. Within this figure burglary fell 2.9%, vehicle crime fell 26.7%, criminal damage fell 3.7%, robbery fell 30.8% and business crime fell 14.2%. All encouraging news.

However, there was a rise in theft (other) – mainly theft of property, such as hanging baskets, garden furniture and ornaments from gardens. Police ask people to be careful with items in gardens and if possible secure them. Even a simple cable tie may well save your hanging basket as the thieves prefer to avoid taking tools with them if they can.

The Dispersal Order in the Stockfield Estate is working well with no incidents reported in recent weeks. The police also continue to give close attention to the Gospel Estate with – as previously reported here – particular attention given to anti social behaviour from users of quad bikes and stolen motorbikes.