HC Deb 11 February 2002 vol 380 cc55-6W
Mr. Gibb

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 16 January 2002,Official Report, column 355-56W, on Brixton police, for what periods during 2001 Brixton police were unable to accept reports of minor crime over the telephone. [31332]

Mr. Denham

I understand that Brixton police were unable to accept telephone reports of minor crime for various short periods in 2001. Other methods of reporting crime were not affected. The periods in question would have been no more than a couple of days at a time.

Mr. Gibb

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 16 January 2002,Official Report, column 355-56W, on Brixton police, what operational reasons rendered Brixton police unable to accept reports of minor crime over the telephone between 2 and 8 January. [31337]

Mr. Denham

I understand from the Commissioner that staff absences accounted for the inability of police in Brixton to accept reports of minor crime over the telephone for the period concerned. A decision was made to use the available staff to ensure continuity of service in the Crime Management Unit. Leaving the Crime Management Unit inadequately staffed would have had a greater adverse effect on the investigation of crime. Throughout this period members of the public were able to report minor crime in writing or in person at police stations.