Agenda item

Chief Inspector Kevin Thatcher provided an update on Policing matters in Bath.

The major drug operation in Bath ‘Operation Hyndra saw 29 arrests made with a further 10 arrests following the raids. Some of those have been through the court and have seen sentencing of between two and three years. Additionally many have been handed out Criminal Behaviour Orders so when they do come out of prison they will be controlled. 

The Police are working with organisations like Curo and Julian House to help rehabilitate offenders when they are released from prison. 

The Police are holding fortnightly meetings that look at intervention with individual street drinkers who are persistent offenders. This method looks at the needs through conducting interviews and prioritising the actions.

I was explained that to hassle and move offenders simply moves on the problem. This is something we have to deal with at the route of the problem rather than push it somewhere else.

Questions

1 Rosie Phillips – What has been the impact on drug supply to the City following the recent action in Bath?

Response – The impact has not been as great as it was hoped but there has been some disruption to the supplies coming into the City.

Follow Up – has there been a ripple effect to outlying areas?

Response – It is understood how displacement of the problem exists and when Wiltshire were taking action Bath saw an increase in supply. The Police are determined to keep taking action and where possible join up with neighbouring authorities.

2. Councillor Dine Romero – What action can the Police take against private residents who are involved in crime?

Response – Criminal behaviour orders are used to disrupt the activities.

3. Councillor Dine Romero – What is being done to deal with the problem of rough sleepers with mental health issues?

Response – The Police work with individuals and build plans to deal with each case.

4. Councillor Dine Romero – What more can be done to deal with aggressive begging in the City?

Response - We need to improve specific actions around beggars, this can  be quite difficult to deal with.

5. Councillor Chris Pearce – A lot of residents are concerned about car break-ins on the Weston Road, could CCTV be used to look into this?

Response – There have been a small spate of vehicle crimes. In relation to what the Police are doing, extra patrols in that area. We may now go another four five or six months without further offences reassurance can be given that things have been put in place to sort this out. Cameras are possible but difficult; there is also the cost element to it. If people are really worried then please put them in contact with me.

Comment from Councillor Martin Veal – The suggestion was made that the B&NES CCTV manager could liaise more closely with Avon and Somerset police in Bath.

6. Councillor Shaun Stephenson-McGall – Can you provide an update be given on hate crime in the area?

Response - Generally we get very few hate crimes in Bath. The last one we had was a taxi driver who got abused for not taking somebody to the right place. There are updated numbers but I do not have these with me tonight.

7. Councillor Shaun Stephenson-McGall– The PSCO in Westmorland Ward has left can you reassure us that a replacement will be found?

Response – There are no plans to reduce any front line staff in Bath, the restructure has taken place and vacant posts will be filled.