Issue - meetings

A police and crime update will be provided on issues relating to the Western Ward.

Attendees were asked to note an update on local policing issues:

·      Police Sergeant Andy Stevens had moved to Force Headquarters. Simon Walters was now the new Sergeant for the area.

·      There were ongoing issues with people riding motor bikes on the Western Park Golf Course. The Police had contacted the Council in order to have the golf course fences repaired, though this involved liaising with three difference departments, including Sports and Estates. Councillor Unsworth added that this was becoming a nuisance area and suggested that the ward councillors could bring this to the attention of the City Mayor.                                                                                                       

A police and crime update will be provided on issues relating to the Western Ward.

Sergeant Andy Stevens who was now the local Sergeant for the Western Ward reported on Police activity in the ward since the last meeting. All to note:

·         Three thefts from unattended motor vehicles took place in the past 4-5 weeks.

·         As a result of a spree of burglary non-dwellings in January/ February, a male and female had been caught and imprisoned, since then no further reports.

·         Aikman Avenue – it was noted that two people had shone laser pens at a Police aircraft, causing danger.

·         Since the closure of Western golf course there had been issues of motorcycle thefts. The Police had now recovered several bikes and returned them to owners or crushed.

·         A resident reported concerns from the Glenfield side of the golf course that the fencing had been cut and people still entering.

·         The mobile beat bus was up and running and Police would soon be doing street surgeries for crime prevention.

·         There was an ongoing issue with tag graffiti.

·         In regards to parking issues outside schools, Police had plans to have an officer present at schools where possible.

·         Police encouraged residents to contact them on 101 with any crime information.

Officers from Leicestershire Police will be at the meeting to provide an update on police issues in the Western Ward.

Attendees were asked to note an update from PCSO Sally-Ann Morgan. This included the following points:

·         There were parking problems at the start and end of the school day at Christ the King Roman Catholic and Dovelands Primary schools. The Police were trying to work with parents and guardians to encourage more responsible parking.

·         Residents were asked to be vigilant about home security, particularly during the Christmas season.

Police in the New Parks area had worked to improve problems at St Clements Court and Comet Close. The situation was better but was not fully resolved.  Councillor Cole commented that residents had complained to him about noise nuisance and rubbish. Richard Sutton, the City Warden asked for further information about those complaints so that he and the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit could investigate. Councillors asked to be updated on the situation. Action: City Wardens.

Officers from Leicestershire Police will be at the meeting to provide an update on police issues in the Western Ward.

Attendees at the community meeting were asked to note an update from the Police as follows:

·         The main issue had been anti-social behaviour; this concern had been raised earlier in the meeting.

·         St Clements Court in Comet Close was a big concern but the criminality there was being dealt with and arrests had been made.

·         There had been an issue with the theft of motorcycles, particularly in Western Park and Beaumont Leys.  91 motorcycles had been recovered since February this year, some of which had been burnt out. There had been numerous prosecutions. The Police were thanked for the work on this problem,

·         A consultation would be starting on 24 September around Sampson Close, and other areas would follow. Members of the public were invited to suggest streets for future consultations.

·         There had been an increase in the number of house burglaries. People were asked to think about house security, and as the darker evenings were approaching, to switch lights on before going out.

Councillors thanked the Police for work they were doing, particularly in relation to anti-social behaviour.

Officers from Leicestershire Police will be at the meeting to provide an update on police issues in the Beaumont Leys Ward.

PC Woolman gave an update on local policing issues and reported crime statistics since the last meeting were noted.

·         In the last 120 days there had been 550 crimes reports, with an increase in burglaries and theft from vehicles. It was also noted that the area was being targeted by organised crime groups affecting businesses and local hotels.

·         There had been a large number of arrests, 100 of those had been charged then bailed or remanded for further action before the courts.

·         Robberies and theft of motor vehicles was down but drug related offences were up.

·         Beaumont Town – parking issues had been addressed.

·         Castle Hill Park/Pitchens Close – motor cycle issues were being addressed, entrances and escape routes were being looked at.

·         Home Farm – issues with some youths had been tackled and anti-social behaviour processes were being followed.

·         Local beat officers were trying to obtain a share of some local funding to buy mobile phones so they would be more contactable in the area.

Residents were reminded to ensure vehicles and properties (homes and sheds) were locked and items of value not left on display.

It was agreed to invite the Crime Prevention Officer to the next meeting and to have a presentation stand to raise awareness of crime prevention.