Verbal update of crime statistics and Policing issues in the Area.
Minutes:
Inspector Rob Wilson provided a verbal update and highlighted the following points:
(a) Both Wollaton West and Wollaton East and Lenton Abbey wards are the top two safest in the city;
(b) the Chief Constable has announced that there are now 2000 police and warranted officers in the county. This position is welcomed, particularly following recent cuts to policing budgets. Recruitment continues but citizens should be assured that there is an increase in patrolling police officers and investigating officers;
(c) in Wollaton West Ward, compared to the same period of 1 April to 17 September last year, two more burglaries have occurred this year bringing the total to 23;
(d) there had been a small number of burglaries committed earlier in the year whereby the beading was removed from UPVC doors to enable door panels to be removed to gain entry. These offences are still under investigation but citizens are urged to ensure that their windows and doors are of good quality and appropriately secured, including locking doors whilst at home to prevent providing easy access for criminals;
(e) an arrest has taken place of an individual who had been knocking on doors, particularly targeting the elderly and vulnerable, claiming that his car had broken down and that he needed bus fare to get home. This was wholly untrue and he has been charged with distraction thefts and fraud offences;
(f) Wollaton West PCSOs have been focusing on tackling antisocial behaviour in the Calderdale area, the situation is now much improved;
(g) it’s not been possible to undertake speed checks within the area during the summer but the Police continue to focus on poor and dangerous driving and un-road worthy/dangerous vehicles;
(h) in Wollaton East and Lenton Abbey wards, PCSO Helen Russell Taylorhas now returned to work in the ward full time following time off and restricted duties due to a damaged knee;
(i) Police are preparing for the return of students and will be engaging on and off-campus to help prevent student focused crime and student related ASB;
(j) crime statistics for the area are provided within the ‘Ward Report’ item on the agenda. Whilst there is still room for improvement in tackling crime, Police are working hard to ensure the criminal behaviour is appropriately brought to justice. This includes ensuring that young people understand the massive effects that crime can have on victims as a result of their activity;
(k) from the statistics provided there appears to be an increase in violence but once the detail is investigated, these figures include physical verbal and online abuse.
Inspector Rob Wilson informed the committee that this would be his last committee meeting as he will soon be retiring. Inspector Riz Khan is an excellent officer and will be taking over the area. Contact details for inspector Riz will be shared with councillors and NDOs.
The Chair commented that the committee had always welcomed inspector Rob Wilson’s contribution, his regular attendance and attention to detail, including reading the agenda before the meeting and identifying crossover issues. The committee and citizens of the area owe a deep debt of gratitude to Inspector Wilson for his dedication and public service.
Neighbourhood Development Officers also commented that inspector Rob Wilson had been an excellent officer to work with, ensuring that they and councillors were informed and aware of concerns and activity within the area and responding swiftly to issues raised.
RESOLVED to record the thanks of the committee to Inspector Rob Wilson for his update and attendance, and to wish him well in whatever he chooses to do next.