Agenda item

 Debbie Ferguson, Community Safety Partnership (CSP) Manager presented a progress report on the levels of CSP performance.

The main points of discussion were as follows:-

In early 2011 it was agreed that as part of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee role, that in meeting their responsibilities under the Crime and Disorder (Overview and Scrutiny) Regulations 2009, a bi annual report from the Community Safety Partnership (CSP) would be provided. 

The Partnership met some, but not all of the 2011/12 targets. The Partnership achieved substantial reductions in domestic burglary, criminal damage and anti-social behaviour and drug offences. Serious acquisitive crime, vehicle crime in particular has seen an increase and there had been no reduction in violent offences. Consultation undertaken with communities and the annual Strategic Assessment has helped in shaping the priorities for the coming year.  A and E Data Sharing is now well established and the statistical data is informing areas of work such as the police Nightsafe operation and problem licensed premises.

The first quarter of 2012/13 has seen continuing reductions in anti-social behaviour, violent crime, burglary and robbery. Vehicle crime continues an upward trend, started in 2011, but vehicle crime levels are still significantly lower than 2009/10.  Priority location work in relation to serious acquisitive crime continues and the main area of focus is the Spencer ward.

Members of the Committee expressed concern over attacks on taxi drivers and asked whether CCTV could not be used in tracking offenders. It was pointed out that in order to be able to respond effectively there needed to be an instant report of an incident.  Both the Police and the Community Safety Partnership have undertaken some work with the taxi drivers, producing stickers which state that no money in left in the cab, providing crime prevention advice and looking at ways that some protection might be offered to the drivers.

There was a discussion concerning the use of the 101 Police reporting number, with members expressing concern that it had been taking a long time for calls to be answered. Chief Inspector Tennet acknowledged that there had been problems but there had been a change in shift patterns and staff numbers and it was hoped that these problems would ease. She emphasised that the emergency calls are still receiving priority.  All crimes in progress should be reported on the 999 number and that emergency call centre handlers would be able to prioritise calls.  Debbie Ferguson agreed to follow upon the nature of the measures that are being put in place by the police and report them back to the Committee members.

Members were pleased to see an increase in the number of domestic abuse prosecutions, but asked what percentage of cases went through to prosecution.  It was acknowledged that there had been issues in getting people to report incidents but a lot of work had been done to make the reporting process easier and to assist people in any prosecution follow up. Court sessions specifically dedicated to Domestic Abuse are now being held.

AGREED:- That the  a further update report be received in six months time.