Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour 6 monthly update – Verbal Report from Inspector Nigel Key
Minutes:
The Committee welcomed Inspector Nigel Key to meeting who addressed Members, providing the Committee with a six month verbal update on crime and anti-social behaviour across the District.
It was noted that in the period May 16 – May 17 crime as a whole had increased by 22%. This was a national trend. This was broken down into the following categories and Inspector Key shared with Members some of his reasoning as to why the increases may have been seen: -
· Violence against the Person - up 29%
· Violence against the Person with injury – up 28%
· Sexual Offences – up 24%
It was envisaged that some of these increases were as a result of the community having greater confidence to report such matters, having better reporting and recording mechanisms and as a result of a number of special units being set up to deal with specific crimes including domestic violence and Child Sexual Exploitation.
· Robbery – up 4%
· Burglary – up 17%
· Theft – up 20%
· Vehicle Crime – up 28 %
· Drugs Offences – up 35%
On-line reporting was due to be launched imminently and thus figures were expected to rise again. Despite the percentage increases seen Members were reminded that in terms of the number of incidents across West Lindsey, when compared to the national scene, crime within West Lindsey remained low, and Lincolnshire one of the safest counties (third out of 43 counties) to live. The only exception to this was around road safety and deaths on the roads. This had slowly been decreasing however since 2016 a rise had been seen, the reasons for this were shared with the Committee.
A current issue in the main settlement of Gainsborough was drug use and dealing. There had been a number of recent successes, the force continued to be proactive.
Hate crime across the country had risen, however this trend had not been reflected across West Lindsey, although Lincoln had seen a spike.
Regarding force numbers and recruitment, the establishment when operating at normal levels, was around 1100 officers, it was currently operating at around 36 officers below this number. Government initiatives had made Police forces establish a variety of special units and this was a mandatory requirement and had resulted in some officers having to move off the front line. 30 Officers had been recruited in January, a further 30 were expected to join the force in September 2017. The number of PCSOs had seen a considerable reduction however this was as a result of a large number of them having been successful in their applications to become police officers.
Replacement PCOS were currently being recruited and recruitment would run through to 2018.
Moving on to issues effecting rural areas, these were often cyclic. At the last update the main issue had been around the theft of land drovers and 4x4 vehicles, this had tailed off in recent months, being replaced by the theft of diesel from farms, rural business and Gainsborough businesses. Significant arrests had been made recently, proactive work continued and it was hoped this would have a positive impact on the position.
Unfortunately, owners did not always take the necessary pre-cautions to safeguard their property in rural locations, Officers were again working proactively with communities to advise on ways they could help prevent themselves being targeted.
Plant equipment theft continued to be of concern. There had also been a recent rise in the theft of transit vans. These were being stolen, engines removed and the remainder of the van burnt out.
Hemswell Cliff continued to be challenging, the Police were working in Partnership with West Lindsey and had relocated officers to meet the current demand.
Rural Crime was a priority for the Police and Crime Commissioner and a Rural Crime Strategy had recently be launched. The key thrusts of this were shared with the Committee. It was noted that Lincolnshire Police had invested in drone technology for evidence gathering, had dedicated officers for rural crime, made greater use of an ANPR.
Lincolnshire Alert was a great tool for “spreading the word” and was used to engage with communities, generate awareness and offered tips on preventative actions residents could take. Members were encouraged to promote this service to residents.
A short period of questioning and answering followed, with Members raising specific issues within their own Wards. These were responded to accordingly
Inspector Key was thanked for his attendance.