Agenda item

Anti Social Behaviour and Police Officers will be present to give an update of initiatives in the ward to tackle anti social behaviour and crime problems.

Ian Lovell - Police Constable, Mark Williamson – Community Support Officer and Jessica Essex Community Initiative Co-ordinator were present to discuss Anti-social behaviour and crime issues in the ward.

PC Lovell stated that the ward boundaries for police patrols would be changing as of 4 Januray to encompass a wider area as far as Abbey Park and Leicester College. 

PC Lovell stated that anti-social groups of youths outside the Tudor Centre and on Billington Close had been identified and would be tackled in the next 4 – 5 weeks.

Crime Figures Sept- Dec 2008/9

PC Lovell presented the crime figures for the ward:

House Burglaries

Outbuilding Burglaries (sheds and garages)

Unattended Motor Vehicles

Criminal Damage

Theft of Motor Vehicles

Damage to Motor Vehicles

Robberies

It was stated robberies are fairly rare and usually occur on isolated unlit stretches for example the bottom of Corporation Rd.

The following questions were asked by residents:

Would new area boundaries result in less of a police presence in the area? 

PC Lovell stated that there would be more police officers now covering the wider area: currently the area was covered by 4 officers, with the revised boundaries there would be an additional 2 CSOs, 2 beat officers and a neighbourhood Sergeant. 

When tackling anti-social behaviour among groups of youths, are groups just warned or moved on? 

CSO Williamson stated that officers engage with groups, and if no offence has been committed they cannot be moved on.  Typically the first time a group is encountered the group will be asked to move and if they are still there on a second encounter they will sent home.  A recent incident outside The Rocket pub where youths were throwing bricks and subsequently escorted back to their parent’s homes by police officers was cited. 

CSO Williamson remarked that intoxicated adults was also a problem, and they can only be asked to move, any further action depends on the committing of a public order offence. 

CSO Williamson also stated that problems with anti-social behaviour on motorbikes were hard to police given that culprits tend to leave quickly when an officer is sighted and it is too dangerous to pursue them.  It was remarked that motorbike issues had been reported around Edale Park and Edale Avenue and a green motorbike was seized on Thursday that was involved in the incident. 

It was also remarked that attempts were also made to engage with youths and direct them towards legal motorbike schemes and youth facilities.

How often do beat officers patrol on foot in the area?

PC Lovell responded by saying two police officers patrol in the area covering Stocking Farm, Mowmacre and the Abbey Rise area; according to government guidelines officers should spend 80% of their time on the beat, though this is dependent on the number of incidents they are called to investigate.  Two Community Safety Officers also cover the area, though they have a larger area to cover.

Is there any help available to disabled and elderly residents to secure their properties?

PC Lovell stated that the Staysafe scheme available through Leicester City Council can provide cheap locks, there was a drop in centre at 111 Ross Walk.  Staysafe provided free surveys and free or cheap installation if the customer was disabled or on income support.  A resident asked whether the scheme covers a specific area, it was replied that the scheme is citywide.  It was also remarked that locks and security devices can be purchased at the local police station.

The Chair stated that Staysafe representatives will be invited to an upcoming community coffee morning in January. 

An abandoned car on Hadrian Road has been reported twice but not visited.  When will this be looked at?

CSO Williamson remarked that he had visited the vehicle on the day of the report.  The vehicle was involved in a traffic accident and is taxed, locked and secured, and is not causing an obstruction.  The Chair stated that the concern is parts of the car being dismantled on the street, CSO Williamson replied that he will make the owner aware of this.