Police welcome reduction in domestic violence reports

Senior officers from Airedale and North Bradford police divisions said they where encouraged by the latest figures. These show a 33 per cent reduction in domestic violence crimes throughout the division from 96 offences between December and January 2009/10, compared with 64 in the same period this winter.

The fall in the Keighley and North Bradford area was also reflected in the Bradford South division where abuse dropped by 29 per cent over the period.

Detective Inspector Dave Marshall, of Airedale and North Bradford neighbourhood investigations unit, said: "Domestic abuse has been an area we have really focused on over the last year and Christmas period in particular. It is pleasing to see the levels of reported offences falling during this traditionally busy period.

"We have employed a range of tactics over the Christmas period including extra specialist officers to help those who do become victims and a series of visits to offenders involved in domestic abuse in the past who were reminded of our interest in them, and would act if they offended again.

He added: "Domestic abuse will not under any circumstances be tolerated in Airedale and North Bradford and with access to new camera technology we increasingly have the ability to make sure those who abuse their partners will be investigated, prosecuted and punished."

Police said that increased vigilance to crack down on known offenders and the continued use of technology, including new body mounted cameras, contributed towards the decrease in reported incidents.

Additional new tactics used in Airedale and North Bradford also included a bespoke service for victims of domestic abuse which saw specialist officers deployed throughout the division over the Christmas period when abuse levels traditionally increase.

Specialist officers worked alongside patrolling colleagues so they could respond immediately to incidents as they happened rather than make appointments to visit the victims later.

A poster campaign in place over the festive season also warned offenders they would face legal action if caught.