Issue - meetings

Police Sergeant Mišík highlighted the police activity since the Committee last met in November.

Previous priorities and engagement activity noted in the report were:

     i.        Anti-social behaviour in King Street/Willow Walk

    ii.        Anti-social behaviour in open and green spaces

  iii.        Night time economy/alcohol related disorder

The Committee discussed the following policing issues:

     i.        Anti-social behaviour relating to the cancellation of Midsummer Fair. Confirmed that resources were being put in place by the City Council and the police to tackle any crime or anti-social behaviour that may arise. A community hub was being run on Saturday and would have representatives from the City Council, parking services and the police to deal with relevant issues. As it was not an official event, the bridge could not be closed lawfully. The police would respond to any reports of anti-social behaviour or criminal activity. There would also be increased litter picking and public toilets and bins made available.

    ii.        An increase in e-scooters in the city being ridden improperly, without adequate control or the wrong way down a one-way road. It was confirmed that e-scooters cannot be lawfully ridden on public roads unless it has been hired as part of the Government pilot which Cambridge is taking part. There were safeguards in place to ensure the proper usage of the e-scooter whilst hired. The police did routinely stop all road users that were not obeying the traffic rules, such as travelling in the wrong direction in a one-way system.

  iii.        The night time economy and the safety of individuals at night. Confirmed the police were regularly engaging with venues and making routine visits to ensure they had proper resources in place for the night time economy. Other initiatives and campaigns were also in place to ensure the safety of individuals during the night time economy such as Cambridge Street Pastors, the Ask for Angela campaign and the taxi marshal scheme.

  iv.        Anti-social behaviour relating to Caesarian Sunday. Noted similar issues to Midsummer Fair as it was not being run as an event. Noted practical issues around the provision, management, and collection of public toilets due to the bank-holiday, contributing to the level of anti-social behaviour.

   v.        Anti-social behaviour relating to street begging in city centre. Noted there would be continued partnership working with the police and the City Council to respond to such complaints, manage aggressive begging and providing individuals with the appropriate support.