Officers from Leicestershire Police will be at the meeting to provide an update on police issues in the Beaumont Leys Ward.
Minutes:
PC Adam Woolman gave an update on local policing issues across the Ward and crime statistics were noted. Points made during the update included:
· Burglaries were down to 15 over the three-month period April-June compared with 28 in the same period the previous year.
· Hate crime was down to 10 incidences in this period compared with 23 in the same period the previous year.
· More weapons on the street were being encountered with four having been found this month. Government funding had been granted to help tackle knife crime. Two arrests had been made the previous Saturday and one hunting knife found discarded.
· Anti-social behaviour was down on the same period the previous year. Most anti-social behaviour related to motorbikes. Some motorbikes had been seized and some people had gone to court, however it was often difficult to identify and arrest those connected with such behaviour.
· There had been a spike in car crime. Police were investigating the theft of catalytic converters from cars. Ward funding money was being used to offer drivers caps to attach to the screws attaching the number plates to prevent them being stolen.
· A problem-solving plan was being implemented to tackle drugs in the Ward. Many drug warrants had been issued. Residents were encouraged to call the police with information on drug dealing in the area as it increased the chances of obtaining a warrant.
· Police had undermined most of the organised crime groups dealing drugs. New gangs were replacing them, but these too were being targeted by the police.
· Police had been working with the E2 centre to tackle knife crime and with Leicester City Council and the Housing Association to tackle anti-social behaviour.
· Staffing: One constable would temporarily be away from the Ward on a diversion scheme. Two new beat officers and one new Community Support Officer would be starting on the Ward.
Councillor Rae Bhatia reported that he had suggested a joint review to a Police and Crime Commission panel as to how funding can be obtained for mobile camera systems to help prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.
Concern was raised about areas left vulnerable on match days due to police concentration around the stadium. It was suggested that the Chief Constable should be written to, or the Police and Crime Commissioner communicated with as to how this could be addressed. Councillor Rae Bhatia suggested that building a good relationship with Leicester City Football Club would encourage them to help tackle the issue.
In response to a query about crime hotspots, PC Woolman identified Temple Walk for drugs and motorbike-based anti-social behaviour and Home Farm for littering, robbery, drugs and knife crime. He reported that police have worked with schools to try and prevent young people from becoming involved with gangs. Marie Murray of Housing reported that community schemes such as football had helped young people avoid gangs.
It was noted that it had been raised on the Police and Crime Commission panel for the panel to make a representation to the Crown Prosecution Service to discuss measures to avoid witnesses feeling scared to report crime for fear of reprisal.