Inspectors hail improvements in South Yorkshire Police

South Yorkshire police say the public are reporting increase confidence in the force - and independent inspectors say it is one of the most improved in the country

SOUTH Yorkshire has the fourth most improved police in the country, an independent inspection has found.

Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) also said said our force showed the best potential for further progress this year.

The results come when house burglaries are at the lowest level for 27 years, and fewer cars are being stolen than anytime in the past 34 years.

Deputy Chf Con Bob Dyson said: “It's very pleasing to see that the HMIC has highlighted these improvements but we recognise that our hard work does not stop here.

“We want to provide the best service that we can by making sure that we listen to what people tell us and take action wherever possible.”

Comparisons were made between similar forces on local crime and policing, protection from serious harm, confidence and satisfaction and value for money.

South Yorkshire Police was rated as “fair” in each of the first three categories with these services costing communities less than the national average.

The force was also rated as “good” for solving crime, with a higher detection rate than in previous years.

Deputy Chf Con Dyson said: “The public are reporting an increasing level of confidence in the force and the work that it is doing with partners, while victims of crime are reporting increased satisfaction in the quality of the service that they have received.”

“Residents’ perceptions on such issues as the levels of anti-social behaviour they experience is showing that local people are reporting an improvement in those issues that affect their quality of life, which are a key focus for our safer neighbourhood teams.”

He added: “Despite significant crime reductions the public's fear of crime has not fallen by the same levels.

“We have more work to do to increase confidence so that perceptions of becoming a victim match reality.”