Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director (Housing and Communities) on the partnership’s successful work in 2017.

Report of the Executive Director (Housing and Communities) and accompanying presentation on the partnership’s successful work in 2017 to plan and deliver measures to tackle crime, anti-social behaviour, substance misuse, to reduce offending and promote assurances to the public whilst working together with other statutory and non-statutory organisations.

(1)          Funding

The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) introduced a competitive bidding process for funding to replace the previous annual grant that was made available to all Hertfordshire Community Safety Partnerships (CSP). Any bids for funding needed to demonstrate that they would meet the objectives set by the PCC and there was a greater emphasis on innovation and joint working across the county. The local CSP had been awarded funds this year for a project aimed at reducing youth anti-social behaviour. The previous grant was predominantly used to pay for a number of activities which provided public reassurance and were aimed at crime prevention. In order to maintain this activity the CSP could make bids to the Herts Community Foundation (HCF); the Council had made a small budget available in 2018/19 to support projects and other CSP partners had been asked to contribute funds directly. During 2017/18 a £5,000 grant was received by HCF and the University of Hertfordshire funded the Crucial Crew initiative.

(2)          Police – Anti-Social Behaviour

Following a spate of anti-social behaviour at Woodhall shopping parade, the CSP had been working collectively to tackle the issues. There was a need to talk to residents and businesses with a clear message about what the partnership was doing to tackle the issues. A Community Information Day on site was planned. Poor lighting was a problem and was being looked at, as well as other measures that could be taken to improve the physical environment. There was a good working relationship with schools and social workers working with families where appropriate.

The Police advised that youth anti-social behaviour was a large and challenging problem which was not easily solved, but the partners were working together to stop it.

The Neighbourhood Team had flooded the area for two months before Christmas after two serious incidents and 95 youths had been stopped during that time and were known to the Police with 50% of their families being visited and warnings given.  This was very resource intensive and a collaborative approach was required as this level of Police activity could not be permanently maintained.  Detection rates were good at 50% and some long prison sentences had been given for prolific offenders.

In response to Members’ questions about national publicity that the Police no longer responded to shoplifting incidents under a monetary value of £200, it was noted that this did not apply in Hertfordshire and it was agreed that it was important to reinforce this message.

It was also clarified that the “Ask for Angela” initiative for people feeling unsafe or vulnerable was real as on the Police website and information about this would be circulated to Members.

In reply to a question about incidents at Moneyhole Lane, Panshanger it was confirmed that the Police were aware and the Police Crime Prevention Officer had been to visit the site and would work with the site Managers to achieve long term benefits.

It had been identified that although not all issues were reported by residents to the Police, there was an expectation that the police would still respond.  It was important that this was done as although local police did regular visits, evidence was needed for long term action.  “Stop and Search” was still used if there were considered to be justifiable grounds.

Having regard to CCTV at premises, it was clarified that it could only cover the premises, but not the public area outside, otherwise it was a breach of law and a matter for the Information Commissioner.

Road awareness presentations were made in schools with a “crash” car and graphic videos. There was a campaign aimed at texting while driving.

Police Officers did engage youths in the street and the views given by 14-19 year olds were that generally they wanted a meeting place where they could spend time together, but without organised activities.

(3)          Fire and Rescue Service

The Fire and Rescue Service explained that as the number of fires was reducing year by year, the opportunity had been taken of going into homes to work with residents reflecting the greater community role in the modern day service.

The Service did “Safe and Well” visits for prevention education and help for vulnerable persons and could provide fire retardant bedding and clothing where appropriate.  Assistance was also given to ambulances and “Life Courses” given to young people in one to one mentoring or in small groups to instil discipline.

RESOLVED:

(1)     That the successful work of the Community Safety Partnership in 2017 be noted.

(2)     That it be noted that whilst crime overall had risen,  the risk of crime locally remained low, but that the Partnership still worked to continue to both reduce crime and the affect crime had on residents of the Borough.

(3)     That the support from partners including the Police and Crime Commissioner in assisting in the delivery of the partnership’s action plan, whilst understanding and appreciating the changes to funding distribution introduced by the Commissioner for 2017/18 onwards, be noted.