Agenda item

8.

Update on the CSP Managing Crime Plan 2016/17

Inspector Lillitou introduced the item and provided members with an updated plan.

He explained that overall crime in Watford had risen by 3.5% this year (an increase of 138 offences).  However, this was the slowest rate in Hertfordshire.  He explained issues around the historic recording of crimes.  He said that there had been success in tackling criminals coming from outside of the Watford area and he discussed the Safer Streets preventative campaign conducted outside Watford Junction Station.  He clarified that Safer Streets had now been rolled out in all wards – with the higher crime areas focused on in the first instance.   The campaign would be refreshed next year.

Inspector Lillitou discussed the reduction in criminal damage offences (11 fewer offences than last year).  This had been achieved by focussing resources on the problem areas and by the implementation of Operation Catapan.  He informed the task group that there had been 30 fewer thefts from motor vehicle offences this year (although this remained an ongoing issue).  He discussed how the risks were managed - including the recent arrest of a prolific offender. 

He explained how the automatic number plate reader (ANPR) technology assisted in tracking offender’s vehicles and he asked if members were content that ANPR was used to identify these vehicles.  The task group was supportive of ANPR provided it was used with proper safeguards.  Inspector Lillitou raised matters in relation to insecure vehicles and the theft of tools and number plates and how these crimes were tackled. 

In response to a question from Councillor Grimston, Inspector Lillitou explained that the police had conducted a lot of work around number plate safe operations in North Watford – with sponsorship obtained.  In excess of 600 vehicles had been target hardened across the CSP.  He undertook to ensure that local communities were informed of the nature of police follow up inquiries when reports of theft from vehicles were received. 

He went on to explain how various tactics were employed to arrest offenders and how the ‘Choices and Consequences’ scheme operated in relation to convicted offenders; with the aim of reducing re-offending.  Councillor Dhindsa discussed how a multi-agency approach was important to deal with offenders.

In response to a question from Councillor Dhindsa, Inspector Lillitou explained how fingerprints were retained on police records and of the associated legislative issues.  The Chair commented that this may be a matter the task group should take forward in the future.

Inspector Lillitou discussed how instances of domestic abuse were managed and risk assessed.  He explained how officers wearing body cameras could assist with investigations and outlined the victimless prosecution process.  With regard to repeat offences, he clarified that each incident of domestic abuse was a single crime.  He explained how repeat victims were assessed and how such options as panic alarms were utilised.

In response to questions from members, Inspector Lillitou and the Community Safety Coordinator:

·        Explained how crimes with an element of drug abuse, addiction and mental health were dealt with (including referrals to appropriate agencies) and how officers identified the associated signs.  Anti-social behaviour could be an indicator of mental illness in the first instance – with appropriate mapping taking place.

·        Clarified that he did not have figures to hand specifically in relation to domestic abuse against males – but the same procedures applied as with regard to female victims. 

·        Advised that cultural differences could be responsible for less reporting of cases of domestic abuse in some instances.  However, the police encouraged reporting and worked with minority groups seeking to ensure this was the case.  The issue also rested with other agencies and organisations and not solely with the police.

·        Outlined how liaison took place with mosques and with Imams in the borough and how there was a desire to interact more with young people.  The Chair emphasised the importance of the involvement of all CSP agencies in problem solving.

·        Explained how the police currently worked with young people – such as with Youth Connexions, local authorities, sports agencies, youth clubs and outreach workers.

The Environmental Health and Licensing Section Head explained how the mapping of the communities in Watford (as discussed under item 6) could assist with domestic abuse identification.  Decisions could then be made as to how to engage with the more at risk communities.  Councillor Bolton commented that councillors could also assist to identify domestic abuse issues.

Inspector Lillitou discussed future plans in relation to the night time economy with the focus on a multi-agency approach – including assisting people leave the town in taxis.

In response to further questions from members, Inspector Lillitou and the Community Safety Coordinator:

·        Confirmed that tenancy agreements were examined by the Community Protection Group.  This was the first matter for consideration in cases – such as by housing providers.

·        Clarified that the Watford knife amnesty had been planned for some time; although the numbers handed in thus far were not presently available.  A recent knife arch operation at West Herts College was discussed which had indicated students were not carrying elicit items.  Further knife crime operations were planned in the future.

·        Explained that detection rates were a more accurate way of measuring the successful outcome of reported offences as opposed to arrests against reported crimes.  Members debated the use of crime statistics and how context was very important to ensure that accurate figures were presented so as not to unnecessarily increase the fear of crime.

·        Clarified issues in relation to crime figures recently publicised in the media.

RESOLVED that –

the update be noted.