Monthly update for Cromer- June 2009 

• Overall reduction in crime of 26% compared to last year. Norfolk officially the "safest county in the country". 
• Purse dippings still an issue in the neighbourhood. SNTs working with local businesses to enhanced crime prevention measures.
• Police working with partners to address local concern of potential lack of CCTV and high visible police presence.
• 35% of all investigation outcomes in the neighbourhood resolved using 'Restorative Justice', with no repeat offences by those dealt with in this way.
Man arrested and charged with attempted arson to a vehicle in Cromer.
Man charged with robbery in Cromer dating to April 2009; co-accused charged with perverting the course of justice.

Previous priorities and actions

A Beach Hut security flyer has been delivered to North Norfolk District Council for distribution to all Beach Hut owners in the Neighbourhood, with Crime Prevention advice. Signs have been erected rule setting for the public using the beach for fires and parties and calling for vigilance in reporting suspicious behaviour. Work continues with NNDC to install CCTV cameras to cover the huts and fix and improve the lighting to the West Promenade. Sgt Blyth is seeking to issue Acceptable Behaviour Contracts in deterring offenders from previous years where this is evidenced. Targeted patrols continue to involve the community in guardianship for the huts however one hut was damaged on 25th May 2009 where the motive would appear to have been for shelter.

After the spate of vehicle damage at the end of February, beginning of March when 12 cars were damaged, the principle offender identified took part in a restorative justice meeting with victims and representation from the community. This was the first time this offender had met victims of crime and this is believed to have had a positive impact of all involved in this process. Sgt Blyth had secured funding for the offender to receive one to one support from The junction to address his alcohol abuse which was identified as instrumental in his behaviour. Patrols continue with a positive response. Since the previous meeting there had been no reported crimes of criminal damage although youth related anti social behaviour had been reported in the Park Road area of Suffield Park and this was now being addressed by the Police in first instance. Litter previously reported had been agreed to be cleared by North Norfolk District Council.

Cromer Junior School have been asked to arrange a drawing competition for the pupils: the winners entry will be used as a design for the new sign that funding has been secured for rule setting for dog walkers. The competition entries will be collected on 4th June. Media support will then be used with this launch to help highlight the issues and rules surrounding dog fouling. Patrols continue with advice leaflets being given to dog walkers though very few had been identified as committing offences.