Agenda and minutes

To accompany the report, the Panel received a presentation relating to high level information regarding the level of crime and anti-social behaviour in Doncaster based on the previous 12 months, and an update relating to the Selective Licensing Scheme in Edlington and Hexthorpe areas of the Borough.

It was noted that the general crime level had deteriorated however, there was a more positive trend with regard to anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse.

The presentation covered the following areas:

·       DMBC and theme groups’ structures;

·       Doncaster Community Safety Partnership priorities, to be re-visited as part of 2018 Strategy review;  and

-        Reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and re-offending;

-        Protecting vulnerable people;

-        Reducing substance and alcohol misuse and the associated effects on crime;

·       How priorities are delivered.

Members addressed the following areas:

Organised Crime – the new theme group entitled Serious Organised Crime Local Partnership Board was noted, which would be addressing Serious Organised Crime, Human Trafficking, Modern slavery and Counter Terrorism activity. 

Off road bikes and quads – it was recognised that most areas across the Borough had experienced anti-social behaviour created through off-road bikes and quads.  The Partnership was taking the issue seriously and had recently purchased off-road bikes and trained officers to undertake operations across the area, focusing particularly in hot spot areas.  It was confirmed that the spray, which worked like smart water, would be used on unlawful bikers and when caught could be used in follow-up investigations. 

Perpetrator Programme – this initiative which ensured perpetrators were being held to account, recognised the positive work being undertaken in Doncaster supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner, had been rolled out across the County. 

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) – It was noted that landlords, through the Selective Licencing Scheme and staff in the Frenchgate Centre, Doncaster had been trained to recognise any possible signs of CSE.

Domestic and Sexual Abuse – It was noted that the rape statistics had increased and recognised that they were not always stranger rapes.

Complex Lives – the issue was highlighted and noted that there was a strong wish by all partners to find new innovative ways of addressing the issues.  There was an assurance that people were receiving the support they required, with partners not just taking an enforcement stance.

736000 and 101 Non-emergency Police reporting – the Panel expressed concern that the 101 telephone waiting times were lengthy, therefore people were hanging up or not attempting to report a crime.  It was acknowledged that this was not just a local problem but a national issue.  With regard to the crime reported through both the Local Authority and non-emergency number it was confirmed that the crime statistics were being combined and discussed.  It was noted that all reported incidents were provided at the monthly partnership meeting ensuring crimes were not missed and also not being double recorded.

Following concern expressed by a Councillor it was stressed that the community do not need to physically attend a police station to report when a crime  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

The Panel considered the Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan and issues that may require consideration as part of the Forward Plan of key decisions.

Recommendations from the Crime and Disorder Scrutiny review – the Panel moved to accept the recommendations as set out in the appendix to the report, subject to recommendation 1 being Strengthened in relation to working in partnership with communities.

Drainage Board Governance - The chair stressed that the issue would require programming in the near future.

Strengthening Communities – it was suggested that this could be investigated by the Panel in the following year, hearing from community groups and partners, for example, EPIC and Doncaster Rovers.

RESOLVED that the recommendations from the Crime and Disorder Committee be accepted and forwarded to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee for ratification.