Officers from the Spinney Hills Local Policing Unit will be present to provide an update on local policing issues and community safety matters within the ward.
Minutes:
Inspector Bill Knopp from the Spinney Hills Local Policing Unit was present to provide an update on local policing issues and community safety matters within the ward.
He reported that during the last period, there had been 21 reported assaults and 10 incidents of anti-social behaviour. Inspector Knopp was of the view that the actual figures were higher than those reported and encouraged residents to continue to report local crime by ringing 0116 2222222.
Inspector Knopp informed the meeting that several arrests had been made recently in connection with crimes including the possession of drugs and for robbery, but warned people to remain vigilant with personal belongings, particularly mobile phones. It was reported that mobile phones belonging to school aged children were being commonly targeted.
It was further reported that 18 anti-social behaviour warning letters had been received by offenders in the local area, and that following recent large-scale disturbances within the St Peter’s Estate, 13 arrests had been made for violent disorder. The investigation into this incident was currently on-going.
Inspector Knopp informed residents that incidents of disorder along Grove Road were to be discussed at the forthcoming Joint Action Group (JAG) meeting. Residents were of the view that anti-social behaviour on Grove Road had worsened and an enhanced police presence was welcomed. A police officer in attendance did state that two anti-social behaviour waning letters had been received by individuals who lived on Grove Road. A representative from LASBU was present who spoke of the need to establish a partnership approach when tackling such incidents of anti-social behaviour. It was also stated that a problem solving plan aimed at curbing such behaviour was being drawn up. A representative from Foundation Housing confirmed that the housing association was an integral part of the partnership and that they would be contributing to paying for particular measures to increase community safety in the area.
A resident was of the view that incidents of drug dealing occurred on Grove Road, and that offenders were not deterred due to a shortage in street lighting. Councillor Dawood reported that a site visit to Grove Road was to take place and as part of this, the adequacy of the current provision of lighting was to be considered.
Another resident spoke of the benefits that neighbourhood watch schemes have had in curbing problems of anti-social behaviour. Inspector Knopp confirmed that Home Office funding towards these schemes had increased, and encouraged interested residents to either join an existing scheme or to seek to establish a new one. The Ward Councillors spoke welcomed the creation of additional Neighbourhood Watch schemes but stated that it was vital that local residents led on these, whilst working with themselves and the police.
Following a question by a resident, Inspector Knopp confirmed that Grove Road was covered by the Hamilton Local Policing Unit, but that response times to emergency calls were no different in any particular area of Leicester.
In response to issues raised by residents, the City Warden confirmed that he would visit Grove Road following reports of fly-tipping at the top of the road. He stated that necessary action would be taken where appropriate.