Verbal update of crime statistics and Policing issues in the Area.
Minutes:
Nottinghamshire Police Inspectors Robert Wilson and Gordon Fenwick introduced the item on Local Police Updates.
The following points were highlighted and responses given to the Committee’s questions:
(a) there have been some very beneficial changes to the organisation of local Policing which includes the appointment of a new City Area Superintendent;
(b) whilst Nottingham City is a very safe place to work and live, there are concerns that antisocial behaviour (ASB) is not always reported to the Police. It is important that residents do report ASB as this can help focus resources where they are needed most;
(c) Police Community Support Officers Louise and Katie have spoken with young people in the area and the provision of some diversionary youth work in the area would be welcomed;
(d) speed checks on Torville Drive have showed a welcome reduction. If residents know of any drivers reckless local drivers who regularly speed on the estates, please let Gordon or Rob know as they can go and speak with them to deter such behaviour. The Police value ‘Speedwatch’ and encourage volunteers to come forward where there are specific local issues with speeding;
(e) compared to the same period last year (since 1 April), Inspector Gordon Fenwick (Wollaton) reported:
i. there has been an increase by 14 incidents of violent, stalking and harassment crimes but in the last 2 weeks there has only been one incident reported;
ii. violence against a person has risen;
iii. one person has been arrested for armed robbery, since then there has been a significant drop in burglary;
iv. theft has reduced;
v. vehicle offences have risen slightly by 9 in the year to date;
vi. there has been a spike in burglary with domestic incidents up by 7
(f) with regard to staffing changes, PCSOs Ian Robinson and Tracey Perkins are now working in Wollaton and Bilborough Team. Two further officers are in training so once in post there will be a greater Police presence in the area;
(g) compared to the same period last year (since 1 April), Inspector Rob Wilson (Lenton Abbey) reported:
i. in the past 2 months burglary has risen with 7 offences in 9 weeks, which is concern, 2 arrests have been made , both were released under investigation and Police are still looking for a third person;
ii. methods to address issues such as doorstep robbery and crime and rowdy drunken behaviour are being discussed in the NAT meetings.
The Chair commented that it was vital that organisations worked together with the community and informed the Committee that several common themes had emerged during a resident drop-in-session recently held by the MP. This included the lack of action by some landlords to address ASB. It is noted that approximately two thirds of rented properties on the Grangewood Estate are under the management of ‘Places for People’ (PFP) but that it had closed its local housing office and there was a general feeling that it was not engaging with residents, the community, Police or City Council. In addition, as a significant influence in the area, PFP representatives were invited to attend the local Neighbourhood Action Team (NAT) meetings with the City Council, Police and significant partners to discuss issues and work in partnership to address them, but officers had not attended the last 2 meetings. Whilst the Police reported good relationships with PFP operational staff, the removal of the local housing office was proving detrimental to residents. The Chair informed the Committee that he intended to write to the Chief Executive of PFP and request that some level of presence on the estate was maintained.
The Chair suggested that partners get together to discuss the need for youth engagement, ASB, CCTV, cleanliness and clarify who is responsible for what and agree an action plan to address the issues.
RESOLVED to thank Police Inspectors Fenwick and Wilson for their attendance and presentations.