Issue - meetings

The Committee received a report from PS Chris Norden regarding the Policing and Safer Neighbourhoods trends.

 

The report outlined actions taken since the Committee on 10^th April 2014. The current emerging issues/neighbourhood trends for each ward were also highlighted (see report for full details).

 

PS Norden responded to questions as detailed below:

 

1.   Michael Bond: The Area behind the Cherry Trees Day Centre is suffering from anti-social behaviour including, drug use, graffiti, litter and aggressive behaviour.

 

     This type of behaviour is known to move about as action in one area moves the problem to a different area. Additional Police patrols would be arranged. Members of the public were encouraged to report any concerns.

 

2.   Richard Taylor: Could the breakdown of crimes include greater detail regarding the seriousness of injuries?

 

     It would be difficult to breakdown figures based on injuries. However, it might be possible to go into greater detail on the type of crimes recorded.

 

     Councillor Blencowe stated that those figures were publically available elsewhere and not required for Area     Committee purposes. The Area Chairs had made a           joint   decision to keep the Police and Safer Neighbourhood reports uniform across the four areas.

 

3.   Councillor Sinnott: Can violence figures be broken down to highlight how much of this was domestic violence?

 

     A visit to Parkside Police station would be arranged for Councillor Sinnott for a full briefing of crime recording processes.

 

4.   Councillor Johnson: Requested an update on recent action taken to tackle drug dealing in the Whitehill Road area.

 

     Successful raids had taken place and arrests had been made.

 

5.   Councillor Johnson: Is there a strategy in place to tackle London dealers taking advantage of vulnerable individuals in order to use their homes for illegal purposes?

 

     The strategy uses partnership working to support vulnerable residents in the most appropriate way to meet their needs. This might mean moving them to safer locations.

 

6.   Councillor Roberts: Residents have noted an increase in anti-social behaviour in the Newmarket Road – Elizabeth Way area.

 

     Police are aware of, and addressing, this issue. It is thought to be linked to the access surgery in the area.

 

7.   Councillor Baigent: Mill Road traders have raised concerns about street drinking and anti-social behaviour in the area. Can monthly updates be provided?

 

     Mill Road has improved in recent months. PS Norden agreed to discuss traders concerns with the local PCSO.

 

Poor response times when using the 101 telephone number, were reported by members of the public. The Committee asked for this comment to feedback to senior Police officers.

 

Members expressed support for retaining the current priorities.

 

Resolved: (unanimiously) to agree the following priorities:

 

     i.        Tackle the supply of drugs in the East area

    ii.        Policing issues associated with Mill Road

   iii.        Reduce shoplifting in the East area