A Very Odd System

Leicestershire police officers were ordered not to investigate attempted burglaries for three months if they occur at odd-numbered houses.

16:44 06 August 2015

Leicestershire police, in an effort to cut cost, has ordered officers not to investigate attempted burglaries at residential addresses for three months if they occurred at odd-number houses. The move, as expected, was criticised by both independent think tank and the region’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

 

Leicestershire Police said it was necessary “at a time when we are operating within reduced budgets.” It added that the change did not have any noticeable impact on victim satisfaction rates.

 

During the three-month trial period, the police officers responded calls of attempted break-ins and they drew up reports. However, if the house had an odd number, the officers did not call the crime scene investigators and evidence such as fingerprints of tools left behind by robbers were ignored. However, another approach was used when the crime involves a vulnerable victim, regardless of the house number. The police made full investigations when there is discovery of blood at the scene or where a suspect has been arrested.

 

Sir Clive Loader, Leicestershire’s PCC, said he was not informed of the trial.

 

He said: “Had I been consulted I would have advised against it, particularly in light of the controls chosen which, to me at least, are unlikely to inspire much public confidence.”