By: Alan Belth
Gun Crime in Cardiff
The last few weeks have seen a major increase in the profile of gun related crime in the UK with the spate of murders of young people in South London and in Moss Side, Manchester.
Is Cardiff safe? Yes and no. Last week for example there were two armed robberies involving guns on the same day. One at Betfred Bookmakers in Lakeside , Cardiff and one 3 hours later, only 12 miles away at Thomson's Holidays in Pontyclun.
Superintendent Tony Smith said," This is a rare crime in our area and we have begun a full investigation. This was a distressing incident for the people involved and we are doing everything possible to catch the people responsible."
Gun crime in Cardiff is rare and although cash was stolen using guns last week no shots were fired. Should we be worried? The concern the police will have is that if criminals are more successful in their crimes using guns and are not apprehended then they are more likely to adopt this as a successful modus operandi.
The incidents of gang gun crime in Cardiff is rare in comparison with other parts of the UK and guns are not prevalent on Cardiff streets - we can only hope that it stays that way.
Cardiff still one of the safest in UK
South Wales Police have released comprehensive statistics for areas of Cardiff for 2005-06. Overall there are an average of 119 reported crimes a day - 43,458 a year.
As you would expect the highest number of incidents take place in the Cathays ward which includes the City Centre at 7,846. This is exacerbated by the night time activities and alcohol induced behaviour plus of course the City fills with large extra numbers for major events.
Outside of the centre Tremorfa & Splott suffered most with 49 incidents a week.
Each district has different issues, some have more burglaries or greater car crime or more incidents of anti-social behaviour but overall the Police maintain that Cardiff remains one of the safest City's in the UK.
As Chief Superintendent Bob Evans says, " Various factors including the demographic nature of an area, transient populations and the nature of local businesses can have a dramatic impact on statistics"
In truth as the public, do we feel more vulnerable to crime than we have previously? That would depend on where you live in Cardiff and your individual circumstances. But overall 119 reported crimes a day remains a high figure and an enormous strain on police resources.
Source:
http://www.thebestof.co.uk
