Officers from Leicestershire Police will be at the meeting to provide an update on police issues in Westcotes Ward.
Minutes:
Sergeant Waheed Nagdi and Police Constable Matt Eld, Leicestershire Police, were present to provide an update on local policing matters in the ward.
Cycle theft was noted to be a large issue within in the ward, with hotspots identified around Lidl and Tesco Supermarkets. Bike registration events were being held at both areas and included the provision of free bike marking and entry to the local police bicycle database. Police were working with local commercial properties for better CCTV coverage. Extra patrols were being carried out and police were working in conjunction with the Community Safety Bureau. A number of arrests had been made.
Councillor Russell highlighted the issues with current bike racks in the ward, noted Ward Community Budget funded bike racks and suggested review into funding additional bike racks in the ward.
Officers noted Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) around the Narborough Road and Ashley Road area. Multiple police consultations had been conducted and it was identified that a gate required fitting, which had been installed in the past week.
A member of the public enquired about whether Project Darwin, a local policing project regarding the management and allocation of officers to help meet demand, was in use in the ward. It was noted that a blueprint was being developed by senior officers following research and analysis, which would return to officers as actions following completion.
A member of the public enquired about other policing models in use in the ward. It was noted that not all policing models were applicable to an area and models applied would be dependent on the situation and needs of the ward.
Officers noted that an ongoing investigation into drug suppliers had recently concluded, which resulted in 50 arrests within the Narborough Road area. ACTION: Officers to note any newly empty houses following police action and let the Council know, so it could be ensured houses aren’t left empty.
The following further points were made:
· Officers discussed ongoing operations in the ward, which include door to door consultations, regular patrols and inquiries with residents on local issues. Turning Point were active to provide help and advice to individuals with drug concerns.
· Officers noted the installation of metal detectors to tackle knife possession in Bede Park and local officers present encouraged members of the public to enter through the arches.
· Biscuit with a Bobby events were ongoing in the ward, where residents could drop by and talk to police about any concerns. Details of the events were online on Leicestershire Police social media. ACTION: Officers to leave details of the event at the Westcotes Library for informational purposes
· A traffic operation was in progress on Narborough Road.
· Members of the public were encouraged to sign up for Neighbourhood Link for information about local issues.
Members of the public raised concern about large quantities of Noxious Oxide cannisters left on streets. Police officers noted the concern, further noting that the legislation regarding Noxious Oxide was being reviewed and that regular patrols and surveys would be undertaken in the area.
A member of the public raised concern about needles found nearby schools. It was noted that police had spoken to schools and were aware of the issue.
Following a question from a member of the public, it was noted that were are 8 officers active in the ward.
Officers noted hotspots within the ward for specific crimes, noting that Bede Park was an known hotspot and police were working with professors at the College of London to reduce crime.
A small increase in burglaries of commercial properties in the ward was noted.