Issue - meetings

The Committee received a report regarding the policing and safer neighbourhoods trends from Maureen Tsentides, Lead Officer for the CB1 development in the Safer Communities Team, on behalf of Lynda Kilkelly, Safer Communities Manager, and Police representatives, Inspector Paul Rogerson and Sargeant Stevenson.  The report outlined actions taken since the Committee’s meeting on 5^th June 2017, identified on-going and emerging crime and disorder issues, and provided recommendations for future priorities and activity.  The report listed previous priorities and the actions taken in response:

 

·        Combatting ‘county lines’ drug dealing

·        Burglary patrols

·        Operation Mantis

 

The Committee noted the change to the process for agreeing priorities. In future, Police attendance would be discussion based and priorities would be agreed collaboratively at the Area Committee meetings.

 

Members of the public asked a number of questions, as set out below.

 

1.   Colin McGerty

A resident of Almoners Avenue has suffered multiple house and car break-ins. What is being done to reduce crime in the South of the City?

A prolific gang had been working the area. Unfortunately, some properties are targeted repeatedly. Victims were offered advice to make properties safer.

 

2.   A. Taylor

Many in the area were not aware of the increased burglaries. E.Cops is no longer providing useful updates.

E.cops was very time intensive for officers and a better approach to circulating information, using social media, was being rolled out. The public would be invited to sign up for updates. The Police would be happy to assist community groups with home safety training.

 

3.   Kerry Galloway

There was a perception that the area was not as safe as is had been. Residents feel less safe cycling at night.

Violent incidents were at a very low rate. However, recent incidents on the guided busway had heightened public concerns. The area was receiving extra patrols.

 

4.   Kerry Galloway

What action was being taken to combat the rising problem of cycle theft?

Cycle theft was an issue across the City. Good locks, keeping good records of cycle details and marking cycles were suggested as the best deterrents.

Volunteer groups were being encouraged to get involved in cycle marking.

 

5.   Kerry Galloway

Children playing in Glebe Farm were being intimidated by other children.

The incidents had not been reported. The Police cannot act if they are not aware of the incidents. If people were uncomfortable or intimidated, they could make reports without giving their names.

 

6.   Sifa Sabeter

New properties are at risk of burglary and little action was taken. Can any action be taken to ensure that new properties are more robust against forced entry?

Planning and building regulations do not fall within the remit of the Police. Determined burglars could gain access to most properties.

 

The Committee discussed potential priorities as follows:

 

Councillor Dryden

Cherry Hinton Lakes attract nuisance behaviour during hot weather. It was unsafe and anti-social.

This was an issue of trespass. It could be a priority.

 

Councillor Avery

Previous priorities included traffic issues. These were still an issue for local people.

The new approach was not intended to squeeze out local concerns. However, parking and traffic issues were officer time expensive and Police action alone did not resolve the problems. Other approaches to parking problems offered better long term solutions to the problems.

 

The Committee resolved to nominate the following priorities for focus over the coming months:

 

     i.        ASB on Guided Bus Way

    ii.        Street begging – Hill Road

   iii.        Mill Park – Open Space

   iv.            Cherry Hinton Lakes – Trespass and dangerous behaviour in hot weather