An update will be given on recent Police developments and successes. There will also be an update on use of the speed gun within the Ward.
Minutes:
PC Adam Woolman, Leicestershire Constabulary, introduced himself and provided the meeting with the latest crime statistics for Beaumont Leys Ward, and reported there had been an increase in crime in the area.
At the meeting he reported that burglaries and vehicle crime had increased, with the theft of cycles also increasing. PC Woolman suggested that the increase in figures might be due to people funding drub habits, or people of previous good character who were no facing money issues due to the recession.
The following crime figures were provided after the meeting:
1/3/12 – 31/5/12 – 76 recorded crime relating to core crime or similar, 75 of which are detailed below:
Burglary dwelling – 29
Burglary other than dwelling (i.e. sheds/garages/businesses) – 12
Theft from a motor vehicle – 14
Theft of a motor vehicle – 8
Robbery – 8
Theft person – 4
1/6/12 – 31/8/12 – 69 recorded crimes
Burglary dwelling – 23
Burglary other than dwelling – 12
Theft from a motor vehicle – 14
Theft of a motor vehicle – 8
Robbery – 7
Theft person – 5
PC Woolman reported that the Police were targeting drugs on the estate, and that a significant amount had been recovered, including Class A drugs, and the location of small cannabis factories. The meeting was informed that the Police worked closely with Housing Officers, who were keen to evict people after they had been found and convicted of dealing drugs, though the process was a long one.
In relation to the speed gun funding, the meeting was informed it had been used across the area and there had been 50 prosecutions as a result of deploying the gun. The Police had also raised awareness of speeding with drivers. Jerry Connolly stated that considerable interest has been shown at the Abbey Ward Community Meeting into using the gun. Jerry asked the meeting if residents would like to use the speed gun. PC Woolman stated that evidence gathered by residents could not be used to prosecute if there were no police present. However, he asked that interested residents leave their details with the police, and they would be notified when the police could go out with residents and show them how to use the speed gun initially. Information gathered by residents could be passed on to the police who would then check details with the DVLA and contact the driver. The driver would then be advised of the impact of speeding. The meeting was also informed that camera vans were still operated by the police.
The Police were also working with schools with regards to anti-social behaviour, raising awareness of the impact that anti-social behaviour had on people.
In answer to questions from residents, PC Woolman reported that many incidents were recorded under the heading ‘Domestic Abuse’, and that specialist units graded issues as ‘low’ or ‘high’ risk, and people could also be referred to specialist groups. He reported that a stringent system of questioning was in place, and that positive action was taken. It was also reported that sometimes people did not want to go to court to give evidence. In some circumstances video footage could be used.
Residents reported that off-road motorbikes were regularly riding across Beaumont Park, and that there were concerns that when the ground got heavier, football pitches would be damaged. PC Woolman asked that the registration of the bikes and/or identification of the riders be passed on to the Police, who had powers of seizure and could issue warnings. The meeting was informed that six officers and six PCSOs regularly walked through the area but it was difficult to catch bike riders on foot.
Councillor Westley also reported there were problems with bikes in the Astill Lodge Area, and that if culprits lived in Council Housing, they could be dealt with severely with warnings and possible eviction.
Mr Terry McGreal, LE4 Action Group, made reference to minutes of the last meeting and reported that he had not received a response back from the Police for incidents reported regarding the gipsy and traveller site at Greengate Lane. Councillor Meghani stated that it was expected that information would be brought back to the next meeting. Councillor Dempster informed Terry that if he had not received a response within one week, Councillors would take up the matter with Inspector Morris directly.
Residents noted that with regards to the burglaries in the area cards were put through doors, and it was also noted there were more police in the area. PC Woolman stated that houses whose residents could have possibly seen something, for example, houses at the back, had a card placed through the door. He informed the meeting that the Police had targeted officers and resources to flood the area to try and catch the criminals. Residents asked if CCTV cameras could be used and the evidence used to prosecute. They also stated they could be used on the football pitches. PC Woolman said that cameras had been used in high priority areas, but unfortunately there was a waiting list of areas to use the cameras, though the CCTV evidence did help with some of the prosecutions. The Police had found that crime ceased because the criminals knew the cameras were there.
Councillors thanked the Police for their update, and asked that comparable crime statistics be brought to the next meeting to show how Beaumont Leys fared when compared to other wards.