Record High Detection Rate

What the report says...

"There have seen reductions in burglaries, violence against the person, vehicle crime and criminal damage."

"The force is getting better at solving crimes such as violence against the person and vehicle crime."

What we have to say...

Our commitment to catching criminals and bringing them to justice will never be compromised.

The force's overall detection rate is currently at a record high of 29 per cent, up nearly two percent on last year and nearly doubling compared to 2004.

We are making significant progress in solving Serious Violence against Person crimes (offences which result in serious injury). Latest detection rates stand at 55.7 per cent, making us top compared to other forces in our peer group.

Real life example

Mark Fell was convicted in February 2010 of 10 charges, including kidnap, false imprisonment and sexual offences including rape, perverting the course of justice and possession of a sawn-off shotgun. This relates to an incident in December 2008, where a 19-year-old woman was snatched while walking home in Yeovil, kidnapped and subjected to sexual offences. Fell was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment, with the recommendation he serve at least 10.

The victim said: "I think the police have been amazing. I was kept completely informed throughout and was told everything that was happening, which really helped me. The support was also really good - I could just ring up and ask at any time. The case went really well and we got the result we all wanted."