Agenda item

The Director – Neighbourhoods presented their report which detailed a review of the South Nottinghamshire Community Safety Partnership (SNCSP). It was noted that the Partnership covered the administrative areas of Rushcliffe, Broxtowe and Gedling. The Director advised that the statutory and voluntary partners who participated in the SNCSP aimed to reduce crime and disorder, anti-social behaviour and to promote healthy and safer communities.

Inspector Rob Lawton – the Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Rushcliffe delivered a presentation to the group which covered:

• Crime Trends
• Anti-Social Behaviour
• Priorities
• Resource Deployment
• Commitment
• Partners

Following the presentation, councillors asked questions regarding the tackling of financial cybercrime. The Inspector encouraged Councillors to ask residents to contact the police if they had any concerns, especially if they did not have access to social media. The Director – Neighbourhoods informed the councillors that the Safer Nottinghamshire Board which aims to bring together key agencies involved in community safety had a strategy and action plan to help tackle crime against the vulnerable as cybercrime had increased by over 340% in the last 12 months. It was noted that it was important for residents to be educated about national initiatives such as the ’take five’ and ‘tell two’ campaign and the officers agreed to recirculate advice to the group which they could then pass on to residents. The Group were also informed that a local action plan for community safety work in the borough the group was funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner which is split between Gedling, Broxtowe and Rushcliffe and much of proactive work of this plan was delivered in partnership with Rushcliffe’s community safety officer.

The Group asked questions regarding the selection of priorities for the Borough. The Inspector stated that priorities were chosen dependent on which type of crimes had been reported in Rushcliffe and that priorities may not necessarily require extra resources. The Group were assured that daily business still occurs despite there being three priorities for Rushcliffe.

It was questioned whether domestic abuse and violence against women and girls would be made a priority for the Borough. The Group were informed that these crimes were dealt with by response officers. The Director – Neighbourhoods stated that the police and crime commissioner funded JUNO Women’s Aid across the county and also Equation which is an organisation which provides support for men experiencing domestic abuse.

In light of recent national events the Inspector advised the councillors to inform residents that they are able to ask to see evidence of the police officers’ warrant card if they have any concerns about being approached by them. It was also noted that some police officers may be in plainclothes or may be members of the police organisation and not necessarily a police officer. It was agreed that the Director – Neighbourhoods discuss with the education authority about how we could influence the national curriculum to include methods to address the behaviour of boys towards girls and women.   

The Inspector agreed to circulate to the group a presentation which listed Rushcliffe’s neighbourhood officers and their contact details. The Inspector stressed the importance that these contact details must only be used for general enquires or ask for updates on particular cases and not be used to report crime.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety asked the councillors to contact him if they had any concerns regarding crime in their wards. It was noted that if crime was reported, it was more likely to be added to the neighbourhood policing teams’ list of priorities. The Portfolio Holder agreed to report back to councillors the outcome of their meetings to discuss priorities. The Portfolio Holder informed the Group that he would like to reinstate the ‘nominated neighbour’ programme in which a neighbour assists vulnerable residents who were concerned about cyber, fraud and doorstep type crime.

It was RESOLVED that

a)    The report of the Director – Neighbourhoods be noted

b)    The Group be provided with the ‘take five’ and other advice about cyber crime which they can circulate to residents

c)    The Director – Neighbourhoods discuss with the local education authority about methods to educate boys about violence against women

d)    A presentation be circulated to Councillors which details the contact details of the neighbourhood policing team in Rushcliffe