Agenda item

Verbal update to be provided at the meeting by Inspector Steve Rides.

Inspector Rides and Sergeant Kennedy gave a presentation on Police and Crime in Hyndburn and reported on performance data.  

Inspector Rides reported on changes in neighbourhood policing and informed the Committee that there had been a reduction in Community Beat Managers from fourteen to seven.  He reported on the number of Officers linked to an area and that they would be returning to a previous style of policing of patrolling and being visible in communities as they had been 10 years ago and referred to the importance of community intelligence in resolving crime.  He informed the Committee that for policing purposes Hyndburn was split into three areas Hyndburn North, South and Central and gave details of reported crime in the following areas: environmental crime, domestic violence, violent crime, serious and organised crime, acquisitive crime.  He gave details of statistical data for each area of crime. 

Attendees at the meeting asked if:

-       Lists of PCSOs for each ward could be distributed to all Members.

-       If there were plans to reintroduce Officers to PACT meetings.

-       For further information about the burning taking place at a scrap yard in Great Harwood. 

Inspector Rides indicated that he would distribute lists of ward PCSOs to all Members and that Officers would be reintroduced to PACT meetings.  He also informed the Committee that the Police used many different forms of media to communicate with the public and whilst PACT meetings were useful for reaching some residents he also referred to the importance of social media in reaching residents to communicate with people.  Inspector Rides reported that the burning in Great Harwood was being dealt with by a number of agencies.

He gave details of how domestic violence, violent crime, serious and organised crime and acquisitive crime was dealt with by the Police and how they worked with other agencies

Attendees at the meeting asked:

-       How domestic violence cases were brought to the attention of the authorities. 

-       The impact of the new stalking laws

-       What restrictions could be placed on an offender?

-       If the Police could use stop and search more regularly?

-       What actions were being taken by the Police to reduce knife crime?

-       What action had been taken against the market seller selling knives?

-       A request for knife crime data.

-       What actions were being taken to prevent drug problems in areas?

-       How problematic was human trafficking in Hyndburn?

-       Reference was made to the problem of brothels in Belthorn. 

-       How was the increase in council tax for the PCC being spent?

-       Reference was made to an incidents of scamming in Knuzden and if Police were aware of the issue.

-       A request for updates on incidents which have happened in Baxenden including the violent burglary of an elderly lady.

-       How CCTV was monitored in Hyndburn?

-       How Police Cadets were recruited?

Inspector Rides responded that domestic violence cases were usually reported by someone in that household and the first priority when dealing with incidents was to ensure that relevant interventions were put in place to protect children against the impact of this.  He reported that the new stalking laws provided for greater awareness of the issue and that there was a distinction between harassment and stalking.  He explained that there were a number of restrictions that could be placed on offenders.

In respect of ‘stop and search’ he reported that the Police required good reasons to use this which would have to be authorised from senior officers.  He reported that there was no evidence of an increase in knife crime in Hyndburn but would provide data on knife crime when it was available.  He explained the Market Seller had been spoken to by both the Markets Manager about the sale of knives and by the Police who had explained the law.  He reported that they had agreed not to sell some of the more combat type knives.   

In respect of drug problems, concerns about human trafficking, scamming and brothels he made a note of the incidents referred to by Members and explained that the Police collected intelligence with regards to incidents of these types in order to take action at a later date.  He indicated that the burglary incident in Baxenden was still under investigation.  He reported that Hyndburn Borough Council worked and funded CCTV coverage with Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to provide and monitor CCTV coverage.

He reported that there had been an increase in council tax for PCC to enable greater neighbourhood policing. 

He explained to the Committee that they aimed to recruit younger children to the Police Cadets and referred to the importance of providing activities for children and young people in order to keep them off the streets and out of trouble.  He explained that Community Protection Orders could be used when necessary. 

The Chair of the Committee thanked Inspector Rides and Sergeant Kennedy for attending the Committee.

Resolved                               -   That the presentation be noted.