Minutes:
Sergeant Rich Jackson and PC Martin Birch gave an update on the policing ward priorities, as described in their newsletter. Sergeant Jackson pointed out that there had been a significant reduction in the numbers of incidents of core crimes in the last quarter. He highlighted issues and progress as follows:
DRUG MISUSE: Work had been very successful. Arrests had been made, high value items seized and a cannabis factory found. Work was being done on a house eviction. A car driver had been remanded following being found with cash and heroin. Community contacts had assisted with these successes. Thanks from residents were expressed, as it had previously been difficult to raise the issue with young people.
UNDERAGE DRINKING AND SMOKING: residents had been reporting issues and a designated van to tackle antisocial behaviour was soon to patrol key areas.
MOTORCYLES: There had been a press release on the issue of nuisance motorcycle use. Several motorcycles had been recovered and destroyed. There was a single point of contact for reporting incidents. These had been sporadic this year, and an improvement on previous years, and it was felt that joint working with Highways officers to restrict access to certain areas had achieved this successful result.
Philip Thomson from Highways reported that two features had been installed on the Black Pad and rear of Osprey Road. These were lockable bollards and a horse stile. Councillor Dempster stated that it had been agreed that three features would be installed, and Philip reported that there were three, as one existing feature had been left in and funds were limited. Councillor Dempster asked that residents who had raised the issue should be consulted again to ensure that the features had achieved the desired outcome. Philip agreed to write to these people asking for their feedback.
WORK WITH YOUNG PEOPLE:
It was reported that various activities were taking place to interact with young people, such as football events and attendance at youth clubs. A drama group had been set up at Babington College, which gave young people who were at risk of offending an understanding of the criminal justice system and the consequences of their actions. This activity also counted towards GCSE work.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
Work had been done to raise the profile of domestic violence, as there was a high incidence in Beaumont Leys. There was a single point of contact for this issue and officers were leading on policies and procedures to tackle the issue, including offering support, bringing to justice, prevention and management. Dedicated officers attended incidents and wore head cameras to record for potential future prosecution. These officers were accompanied by a representative from Women’s Aid and had support packs for victims.
SUMMER BURGLARY:
Residents were reminded to be vigilant and lock all doors and windows during the summer. There had also been a trend of bicycle theft and it was advisable to revise security of outbuildings where they were kept.
The Chair thanked the officers for their hard work and success. He noted the importance of the community working together with agencies and the police.