Verbal update of crime statistics and Policing issues in the Area.
Minutes:
Sergeant Nev McGeehan provided a verbal update on crime statistics across the Area compared to the same period (1 April to 26 June) last year.
The following points were highlighted and it noted that some rises in crime figures were as a result of changes in the way crime is recorded:
(a) the number of total crimes reported was up by 27.6% from 835 to 1,066;
(b) victim based crime has increased by 24.46% from 744 incidents to 926 incidents, but now includes threats and harassment;
(c) robberies increased from 12 to 13;
(d) burglaries have reduced significantly from 83 to 46, which is a drop of 44.55%;
(e) vehicle offenses were down by 10 from 53 to 43;
(f) shop lifting has risen significantly from 99 to 155. However, this may partly be due to 5 days of proactive action in Bulwell town centre to target repeat offenders, when shops were more likely to report incidents to Police knowing that officers were nearby. Efforts are being made to try and prevent known repeat offenders from legally entering the Town Centre area by issuing them with restriction orders;
(g) arson has increased by 7 offences to 12 and with the current hot and dry weather, it is anticipated that this trend will continue. However, a prolific offender has been caught and charged with several offences across the City;
(h) cycle thefts have increased from 9 to 17;
(i) hate crime has increased from 17 to 24 but is mostly connected to neighbour disputes and between patients and staff at Highbury Hospital, so there is no significant cause for concern.
Questions from the Committee were responded to as follows:
(j) with regard to the request for a Police or Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) presence in Bulwell Market Place during Market days to reassure citizens and pick up incidents, the numbers of Officers available has been significantly reduced by more than half during the past few years. As such the capacity does not exist to regularly support this request, even with Community Protection Officers (CPOs). The recent Police recruitment drive will increase overall numbers but by the nature of the job, PCSOs often apply to the Police, which leaves vacancies in their roles;
(k) the significant rise in crimes against people rather than objects and reduction in Policing numbers has been considered at a national level by the Crime Recoding Team and no direct correlation found. However, the changes in the way that crimes are recorded has had an impact on the figures which cannot easily be considered like-for-like when verbal abuse and threats are counted as assault or public order offences;
(l) several alternative funding sources for the Police have been investigated but so far found to be inappropriate or unworkable. In some other Forces, sponsorship of vehicles and resources has been considered but there is a concern that where sponsorship is received, there may be a perception that the Police are beholding to sponsors and no longer wholly independent. In addition, many local businesses are struggling and could not afford to support services to which they already contribute by paying taxes. However, the question could be presented to senior officers and a response provided to the next meeting;
(m) rules for the flying of drones can be found on the Police Website at https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/advice/drone-law-uk
Members of the Committee commented that with regard to shop lifting, some of the national chains with stores in Bulwell did not accept the advice to move high value items out of easy reach from doors, saying that there was a nationally set shop display format which had to be followed.
It is noted that the Bulwell Trader’s Association in is no longer active.
The Chair reminded citizens that if they have any broader reaching Policing concerns or issues, such as the reduction in Policing levels across the City, they can raise these with the Police and Crime Commissioner, Paddy Tipping, as it is important that he is aware of the views and concerns of citizens.
RESOLVED to thank Sergeant Nev McGeehan for his attendance and update.