Agenda item

A report of the Head of Neighbourhood Services to ensure that the statutory responsibility to scrutinise the Community Safety Partnership, at least every 6 months, is undertaken effectively and to ensure the continued monitoring of incidences of crime in Charnwood.

The sound recording failed part way through the consideration of this item.

Considered a report of the Head of Neighbourhood Services to ensure that the statutory responsibility to scrutinise the Community Safety Partnership (CSP), at least every 6 months, was undertaken effectively and to ensure the continued monitoring of incidences of crime in Charnwood (item 7 on the agenda filed with these minutes).

Councillor Taylor (Chair of the CSP), the Strategic Director of Neighbourhoods and Community Wellbeing, the Head of Neighbourhood Services, the Community Safety Manager and Inspector Barker assisted with consideration of the report.

The following provides a brief summary of the Board’s scrutiny of this matter, including responses given to questions:

(i)        The issue of knife crime both nationally and locally was raised.  In Charnwood, incidents had decreased, although it remained a priority moving forward.  The matter had been picked up at an early stage and proactive work undertaken, details of which were outlined.  The term ‘habitual knife carrier’ and ongoing work with a particular group of youth habitual knife carriers were also explained.

(ii)       Following reference to an additional Police Community Support Officer resource for Leicestershire Police, it was confirmed that a share of that would be allocated to Charnwood.

(iii)      A significant proportion of the increased vehicle theft figure related to motorbike theft by a particular group of young people.  Theft of keyless entry cars via use of an amplifier had not been evident in Leicestershire.

(iv)    Work undertaken to protect vulnerable people was briefly outlined, with particular reference to the focus now provided by a dedicated Youth Joint Action Group. Where that Group sat within the CSP’s governance structure, its composition, how it operated and the challenges it faced in achieving best outcomes were explained.  

(iv)      Where quarterly data was provided, it would be useful to see all quarters for the year to date, so that trends could be better understood.

(v)       The CSP being evidence-led did not mean that it was only reactive, considerable pro-active work was undertaken, examples of which were given.  Explanation was provided of the strategic assessment model used, which was evidence and intelligence based, with a view to early identification and getting upstream of issues.

(vi)      Noting that the current CSP Plan ended in 2020, it would be useful if, moving forward to a new plan, attention was given to how long-term trends might be better illustrated over the period, to assist in scrutiny of performance over time, although it was recognised that this was often difficult.  Contextual and graphical information was also very useful, together with explanation of options considered and decided upon.  Officers continued to work to provide that and how that might be better achieved moving forward was briefly outlined.

(vii)    Some of the percentage figures stated on agenda page 66 seemed to be incorrect and required attention.

(viii)   The increase in crime in Loughborough town centre was briefly discussed.  It needed to be clear that this area was wider than the immediate town centre, covering also the University, the Ashby Road Estate and the Storer Road area.  The increase was likely to be due to a range of factors.  Reported incidents, which were all recorded, suggested that the night-time economy was not a significant problem.  In response to a concern that that was not the experience of local residents, reference was made to the fear of crime often being far greater than the incidence of crime and to the role social media could play in fuelling the former. Work to improve reporting and address issues within the immediate town centre was briefly outlined.

(ix)      Context was given to the increase in hate crimes, this largely related to the behaviour of individuals when caught committing crime, rather than being as a result of community tensions.

Inspector Barker thanked the Board for considering this item earlier in the meeting to accommodate his later appointment.

RESOLVED that the report be noted and that officers be asked to consider, for future reports, the comments made in paragraph (vi) above.

Reason

To acknowledge the work undertaken by the Community Safety Partnership, to ensure that the statutory responsibility to scrutinise the Partnership is met and to assist the Board with its future scrutiny of this matter.