Verbal update of crime statistics and Policing issues in the Area.
Minutes:
Nottinghamshire Police Inspector Robert Wilson apologised the absence of Inspector Gordon Fenwick who was on other Police business, policing a protest, as per the force rota.
Knife crime is a rising concern across the country which the Police are taking very seriously. Youth intervention work by the Police is focusing on deterring young people from carrying knives and those who are found to be in possession of a knife are arrested.
The Wollaton West Ward Policing update included:
(i) overall crime rate is low;
(ii) whilst during the summer there was a peak in crime compared to last year, the peak appears to have passed;
(iii) there has been one incident residential burglary in the past month;
(iv) burglary of homes is reduced by four against the year to date;
(v) the number of thefts from vehicles has reduced but thefts of vehicles appears to be targeted at mopeds and motorbikes;
(vi) PC Dave Dennis is the leading officer on the Ward anti-speeding scheme which was delayed due to the recent bad weather. The Committee are assured that work will continue shortly.
The Wollaton East and Lenton Abbey Police update against the statistics of the previous year, included:
(vii) a general reduction of crime by 2.5% which equates to 14 fewer offences;
(viii) violent offences have reduced by 10%;
(ix) burglary has reduced by 22%;
(x) theft of motor vehicles has increased;
(xi) theft from vehicles has increased by 6 offences;
(xii) PC Phil Snape has been undertaking speed checks in the area and of the 20 cars scanned, 2 were stopped for driving at 22 and 23 mph in a 20 mph limit.
Questions from members of the Committee were responded to as follows:
(a) whilst there may appear to be some discrepancy between Nottingham City Homes (NCH) crime statistics, particularly antisocial behaviour (ASB), and statistics supported by the Police, as the system is used by each are not compatible, it is not possible to accurately provide combined figures. It is possible that ASB crime is reported to both NCH and the Police, resulting in a report duplication. The National crime survey indicates that there is a downward trend. For ongoing issues with ASB, the Police and partner organisations recorded instances on the ESIMS national system, including what action is being taken to address the issues, to ensure that all partners can see what is happening where and what is being done to address the issues.
Members of the Committee commented:
(b) as crime is rising across the country, even a small reduction is welcomed and in Wollaton East and Lenton Abbey Ward, this may be due to the consistent Police staffing with very few changes and the same Police Inspector, Beat Managers and Community Protection Officers, all of whom work very well as a team;
(c) wherever crimes are reported to NCH and/or the City Council, it is vital that these are reported to the Police. It is apparent that this doesn’t always happen but it is acknowledged that in some circumstances, some people may not feel safe if believed to do so;
(d) there needs to be a stronger visible presence of Officers on the Nidderdale Estate;
(e) NCH work closely with Community Protection Officers where ASB issues are reported;
(f) some other Area Committees invite representatives of the Community Protection Team to their meetings to report on their activity within the Area and understanding of current issues.
RESOLVED
(1) to note the update and thank Inspector Robert Wilson for his attendance;
(2) for a local Community Protection Officer to be invited to attend future meetings and provide a local update.