Two-thirds of Northamptonshire victims are happy with how Police are tackling crime

Two-thirds of crime victims gave Northamptonshire Police a thumbs-up for how they handled incidents in the county.

Satisfaction survey data gathered in the 12 months to May 2020 showed 67 per cent of all victims said the police delivered on promises and were happy with officers' actions.

Those most satisfied were victims of burglary and hate crime, which both received a 68 per cent satisfaction rating, as well those targeted by domestic abuse which received 83 per cent.

Chief Constable Nick Adderley said: “Over the past couple of years we have made a number of improvements to provide a better service to victims and it’s really pleasing to see satisfaction levels are on the increase.

“Results are showing that 76 per cent of people are happy with the overall service we provide — up from 70 per cent last year — which is great news.

"However, we are not complacent and I want all victims of crime to receive the highest levels of service from the Force, no matter what crime they have experienced."

Data shared by the force showed 87 per cent of victims surveyed were satisfied with treatment by officers and staff, with respondents sharing views on how helpful and reassuring officers and call handlers were when dealing with them.

Satisfaction levels linked to keeping people informed is also steadily increasing with a 52 per cent overall satisfaction rate, up from 48 per cent last year. The Force is seeking further improvements in this area.

Mr Adderley said: "When the public contact us it’s because they are in need of our help and it’s important that people feel confident they will receive a professional response, be treated with respect and understanding, and that we will do what we say we will do, keeping them regularly informed of our progress.

"It’s encouraging that people are feeling increasingly confident when they contact us.

“Of course, there is still work to do, particularly in keeping people informed of progress and this is an area we will be focusing more on – we need to ensure we are engaging with victims right along their journey."

The survey also showed that 90 per cent of domestic abuse victims would feel confident contacting Northamptonshire Police again and 94 per cent would recommend others to contact the Force if they were in a similar situation.

Northamptonshire's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold said: “It's important we continue to focus on the victim throughout the criminal justice process and put them at the heart of all that we do.

“Becoming a victim of crime can be a traumatic experience for anyone. It’s important that people are properly supported and kept informed to help them recover, cope and move on with their lives."