Minutes:
Nottinghamshire Police inspectors Robert Wilson and Gordon Fenwick were in attendance to update the Committee on local Policing issues.
Following the very serious and disturbing terrorist events at a national level, local Police aim to reassure citizens with their increased visible presence. As a result beat timings have altered and contact with community leaders has increased in addition to normal Policing business. It is recognised national events have had an impact on local communities, but citizens should be assured that the Police do prioritise and respond where risks are identified;
It is noted that the way in which crimes are recorded has changed with incidents being classed as a crime when reported and prior to confirmation that a crime has been committed. This recording method will provide what initially appear to be high crime figures when compared against the same period last year, but will eventually provide more comparative data.
Police inspector Robert Wilson provided a verbal update policing issues in Wollaton East and Lenton Abbey ward since the last meeting. The following points were highlighted with statistics for the Area against the same period last year:
i. violent incidents were down by 1 (-5%);
ii. burglary overall is down by 8 incidents (-53%);
iii. four more vehicles were stolen;
iv. there were five more thefts from vehicles;
v. bicycle thefts and theft of the items has remained the same;
vi. four reports of antisocial behaviour were received (-12%)
Police inspector Gordon Fenwick provided a verbal update policing issues in Wollaton West ward since the last meeting. The following points were highlighted:
i. overall there were additional 37 crimes, which is still below are in the city average;
ii. there were 3 additional burglaries;
iii. there were 16 fewer auto crime theft incidents (-61%);
iv. 9 fewer incidents of criminal damage;
v. there were 7 hate related incidents, of which, 4 are considered hate crime;
vi. there were an additional 21 antisocial behaviour reports (+46%), including public disorder offences.
A Policing Week of Action has been held. Concerns have been raised regarding issues on the Grangewood Estate, but no incidents have been reported to the Police. Two Police Officers are to undertake a Police Day of Action and will liaise with other partner organisations to help identify issues on the estate and how they can best be resolved.
Off-road motorbikes in Wollaton Park remain a problem and whilst the Police do have trained motorcycle offices, they do not currently have bikes, but will be borrowing motorcycles from the West Bridgford Police colleagues. In addition CCTV including a mobile CCTV van will be used to assist in identifying offenders.
Following the assault of a woman jogger several weeks ago, overt and covert policing has taken place in the Park. No further incidents have been reported or issues raised.
With regard to the Torvill drive 20 mph speed limit, 242 cars have been speed scanned and 15 vehicles were found to be speeding and either warned or issued penalties. A similar operation was undertaken on the Grangewood Estate with 142 vehicles scanned, 101 (42%) where travelling above the speed limit. The preference is to warn and educate drivers, although penalties can be issued. Where citizens raise concerns about ongoing speeding, where possible, local Police will be happy to respond.
On the Grangewood estate, the shrine to the murdered child remains in place and will be treated sensitively, possibly being replaced with a more permanent memorial mural.
Inspector Gordon Fenwick accepted the invitation to have a citizen engagement stall at the Wollaton arts Festival.
The Committee’s questions were responded to as follows:
(a) motorcycle theft is an ongoing national problem, particularly regarding smaller vehicles which are more vulnerable as they are easier to move and even be picked up and removed. The thieves often put themselves and others at risk, particularly if they are not trained to manage the more powerful vehicles;
(b) to tackle speeding motor and quad bikes, a proportionate response is required. Two police officers will attend a National Policing Conference in Merseyside which will consider a range of tactics which could be applied.
Members of the Committee commented:
(c) off-road motorcycles are an ongoing problem in Wollaton Park, with the added issue of deer and historical grounds. Parks management team are keen that this issue was addressed;
(d) a flashing speed sign would be beneficial to remind drivers of the 20 mph speed limit on Torvill Drive;
(e) citizen sometimes feel that no action is taken by the police with regard to speeding however this is not the case. Where speed tracking and stops occur, there is a longer lasting benefit to residents;
(f) citizens are concerned about the angle of speed cameras on Middleton Boulevard. The Police will raise this with Traffic Management for investigation.
RESOLVED to thank Police Inspectors Wilson and Fenwick for their attendance and update.