Agenda item

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 has been committed.  It was also stressed that if a Police Office does not make a visit to a person following an incident, it does not mean that that the reported crime has not been logged.  When criminal investigations are undertaken all crimes were taken into account to build a picture ahead of potential arrests.

Information sharing/communication – the Panel noted that the positive work and information sharing did not stop with the gradual reduction of neighbourhood policing with monthly and weekly case meetings continuing.  However, with the reintroduction of neighbourhood policing in some areas this would look to strengthen partnership and public relationships, re-establishing links that worked well in the past.  It was acknowledged that communities did not lose their Inspector and Sergeants, it was resources that were reduced throughout the whole area.  This therefore had an impact on Parish Council and Community meetings not having Police attendance. 

South Yorkshire Police was actively seeking to find different ways to ensure links with communities continued with an additional team working on specific identified areas across the Borough.  With regard to the number of Police Officers, it was noted that recruitment had recently been opened.

It was acknowledged that if a Police Officer responded to an incident and then a different Officer responds to a subsequent incident there was no consistency.  Following interventions that had been introduced and phased re-introduction of neighbourhood policing in some areas, it was hoped that Officers would have the capacity to provide continuity and deal with issues from the same victim of crime. 

Additional to the above discussion, it was suggested that consideration be given to how communication between South Yorkshire Police and ward councillors could improve to ensure positive feedback is promoted within the community.

A number of examples of recent criminal activity was highlighted and the Panel’s main concern was ensuring there was a good flow back of information to communities.  This would assure people that incidents were being addressed and regularly that criminals had been arrested and either in custody, on bail or acceptable behaviour contracts. Unfortunately there were not enough resources to ring everyone that has reported a crime however, everyone does receive feedback and this may be done by email. To assist with improved communication, for example, the reintroduction of the dedicated phone line for the community to leave messages was a mechanism being investigated.  It was acknowledged that in this modern age, the community also expects up to date information being provided through Facebook , Twitter and texting methods.  The Panel noted that South Yorkshire Police was arranging pop up community sessions in areas such as supermarkets where they were able to gather information and feedback information to the community. 

It was noted that in Doncaster there was a high perception or crime, however information shows that satisfaction is good when a victim has unfortunately had to receive support services from South Yorkshire Police and it’s partners.

Parking Enforcement – It was confirmed to the Panel that the Police Force was not responsible for responding to vehicles being left on double yellow lines but it was responsible for obstructions on the highway.

Safer Neighbourhood Teams – It was acknowledged that Doncaster had a strong and vibrant night time economy and accepted that Neighbourhood Police Officers would, on a rotational basis, be required to work within the town centre.

CCTV – Members enquired as to whether the public could be trained to use and download CCTV in hotspot community areas, to assist the Police and Local Authority.  It was recognised that CCTV popularity has grown, more officers were being trained in there use and additional cameras were being installed in key locations.  With regard to use by Members of the public, there were issues with regards to regulations and confidentiality preventing this assistance.

Organised Crime Groups – Information sharing was undertaken by the theme groups as is strategic mechanisms and best practice.  It was acknowledged that Doncaster was not the only town having to respond to this situation with sophisticated work being undertaken on a daily basis including drug and CSE crimes.

EPIC – this scheme was acknowledged as a successful targeted approach tailored to specific issues, with wrap around services ensuring young people, some with complex home lives, did not become the next adult crime members.

Youth services – the Doncaster Youth Offending Services was highlighted as one of the best performing in the Country and made a positive impact on young people who, if interventions were not put in place, could again turn to future adult crime members.

Amber project – Members were pleased that this was a more sustainable project addressing street prostitution and asked that it not be diluted in future commissioning.  A report to a future meeting on its success was requested.

To conclude Members recognised that resources across South Yorkshire Police and partners had been reduced dramatically and applauded the effort put into making the Borough a safer place to live.

Resolved:  That the discussion be noted.

SELECTIVE LICENCING

The Panel received a presentation updating Members of the Selective Licencing schemes in Hexthorpe and Edlington area and how this contributed to reducing anti-social behaviour.  It was noted that selective licensing provided the Council with additional tools to help combat anti-social behaviour and can legally require landlords to take responsibility for tenancy management.  The presentation outlined the benefits to landlords, tenants, the wider community and the local authority and partners.

The following areas were addressed:

·       The importance of housing stressing it was the foundation of the quality of life, well-being, health, opportunities for employment and economic growth;

·       Low housing demand being coupled with anti-social behaviour and how this was being addressed;

·       With there being costs at £515 per rented property Members expressed concern that good landlords could feel that they were being penalised however there were many benefits for the landlord, including training opportunities.

·       The scheme provided the local authority and partners with details of property owners making it easier to undertake investigations if tenants were behaving in an anti-social manner.  Landlords were personally addressing anti-social behaviour and approaching the Council with ideas and increasing tenant engagement;

·       Hexthorpe area – has a telephone hotline and tenants meetings, with good links being forged with the Council.  It was stressed that the population was comfortable with approaching officers direct, particularly when they pass people in the street.

·       Roll out of the scheme – This was being investigated and not ruled out however it was noted that it was a labour intensive scheme and the Authority was very conscious that schemes were not created where landlords did not benefit.  Edlington and Hexthorpe were being concentrated on at the current time.

·       Annual Inspections – these were undertaken either with the landlord and tenants knowledge or, if there were antisocial behaviour issues, then unscheduled inspections would be undertaken.

Resolved:  That the Panel note the discussion and consider the recommendations from the Crime and Disorder review as part of the work plan later on the agenda.