Issue - meetings

8.15 pm

The committee received a verbal update from the Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant on crime and policing in the four wards.

 

It was noted that the figures for cycle theft and violent crime had drop considerably during this reporting period but theft from shops had increased.

 

1.    Resident: Raised concern that cycle parking, and pavement cafes, restrict pedestrian movement and cause safety issues. Asked for an update on the consultation regarding the positioning of cycle racks and suggested Wardens are used to monitor the problem. 

 

Councillor Ward (Executive Councillor for Planning and Climate Change) confirmed that a report had been published and would be discussed in full at the Environment Scrutiny Committee on 8 October 2013. It was noted that parking racks had been redesigned to take up less space and not restrict pedestrian movements.

 

Councillor Manning confirmed that the County Council were leading a review on street furniture and agreed to forward further details to the member of the public.

 

2.    Peter Sarris: Requested more visible policing and CCTV surveillance to address the on-going issues at Green End Road.

 

The Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant confirmed that a lot of work was being carried out by the police in this area. People had been cautioned for littering and smoking cannabis and a visible police presence would continue.

 

It was felt that the use of mobile CCTV would not be appropriate for this area and visible policing would produce better results.

 

3.    Councillor Bird: Raised concern about vehicles parking on the pavements at Green End Road.

 

The Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant confirmed that unfortunately action could only be taken if the pavements were fully obstructed. It was acknowledged that vehicles parked here could be intimidating for the public and the police would continue to monitor.

 

The public were encouraged to report any incidents by calling 999 (for emergencies) or 101 (for non-emergencies).

 

4.    Lil Speed: Raised concern that the police had not responded to an incident regarding young people wearing hoods and masks.

 

The Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant agreed to speak with Mrs Speed outside of the meeting to address the issue.

 

5.    Richard Taylor: Asked for an update on the use of Tasers by the police in the north of the city.

 

The Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant confirmed that Tasers had not been used in the north of the city, but at the request of the Chair, agreed to report back in more detail at a future meeting.

 

6.    Richard Taylor: Asked for further information on the CCTV camera on the Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant’s uniform.

 

The Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant confirmed that it was a ‘body-cam’ used by the police to collect evidence.

 

7.    Richard Taylor: Raised concern that a lack of signage and road markings in the Milton Road and Arbury Road area had still not been addressed. It was felt that people should not be targeted in this area for anti-social cycling until the signage had been improved.

 

It was also suggested that issues such as the cost of crime and burglaries and violent crime should be agreed as priorities.

 

The Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant agreed that signage continued to be an issue in some areas but confirmed that the police took a fair, even handed and proportionate approach when dealing with cyclists.  This was evidenced by the recent light campaign where cyclists had their tickets rescinded upon the purchase of a set of lights. 

 

The Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant confirmed that burglary featured as a central priority and would not sit at a local level.

 

8.     Councillor Price: Asked what type of shops and products were being targeted the most for thefts.

 

The Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant confirmed that smaller supermarkets were being targeted with the theft of meat products being particularly high. The meat would not usually be stolen to eat, but would be sold on to others.

 

9.    Councillor Scutt: Raised concern about drug dealing in Milton Road, Hawthorne Way and Chesterton Road.

 

The Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant agreed to look into the issue.

 

10.                    Councillor Manning: Raised concern that the term ‘dangerous cycling’ was difficult to define, and also felt that dangerous driving was an issue. The lack of dedicated road facilities for cyclists was also highlighted.

 

This comment was noted.

 

11.                    Councillor Bird: Expressed thanks to the PCSO’s in East Chesterton for their hard work and dedication.

 

This comment was noted

 

12.                    Councillor Bird: Raised concern about dangerous cycling on Parkers Piece, especially during events being held on the space.

 

This comment was noted.

 

13.                    Councillor Onasanya: Raised concern that the police had not responded fully when the finding of drugs was reported.

The Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant agreed to speak with Councillor Onasanya outside of the meeting to address the issue.

 

14.                    The Chair: Asked the rationale for drug dealing being recommended as a priority.

 

The Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant confirmed that this was as a result of the recent drug overdoses in the city. 

 

15.                    Councillor Kerr: Asked for an update on E-Cops

 

The Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant confirmed that it remained a very useful resource for the public and the police.

 

16.                    Councillor Brierley: Asked that figures for drug

         crime be broken down for future reports.

 

The Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant agreed to raise this at the next meeting of the Neighbourhood Action Group (NAG). 

 

At the request of Councillor Manning a vote was taken on whether to include the word ‘dangerous’ in recommendation ii)

 

Resolved (by 15 vote to 1) to retain the word ‘dangerous’ in recommendation ii).

 

Resolved (by 15 votes to 0, with 1 abstention) to agree the following three Neighbourhood Priorities:

 

       i.          Prevention and enforcement work to reduce cycle theft.

     ii.          Combat dangerous/no light as autumn/winter approaches.

   iii.          Tackle drug dealing in the North Area.