Agenda item

Inspector Sarah Treweek was present to take comments and questions on the latest B&NES Crime & Disorder statistics.

Sarah explained that the burglary figures are showing increases in line with the national position. The local picture does show that the figures spiked four weeks ago and are returning to normal following five individual arrests.

The picture with anti-social behaviour also appeared to have spiked before seven individuals were sent to prison. The void that was left has been filled by others who we are presently awaiting CPS decisions.

Bryn Jones - asked if the knife crimes that we have seen reported nationally is reflected in any of the local figures and if there is a more local Bath City Centre breakdown of the statistics?

Response – There is a trend in the youth violence numbers as seen in the anti-social behaviour figures. City Centre numbers can be made available.

Penny Coatsworth – asked if there is a local strategy to deal with the more noticeable presence of the street community?

Response – Numbers on the streets are up nationally and also in Bristol. There are measures in place for officers to deal with street sleepers, the local beat manager that covers Kingsmead Square has had real success in reducing numbers in that location. The issue is complex and moving people on only displaces them to other locations.

Robin Kerr – commented that FOBRA had recently met and heard about the surge in crimes in The Circus area of The City. It is pleasing to hear that arrests are being made.

Roger Driver – asked what are the difficulties and concerns around mental health issues in the City Centre. Is there a joined up working strategy that looks at the impact of the movement of individuals and how the voluntary sector can help?

Response – The Constabulary has carried out work with staff on dealing with people with mental health issues and it is an increasing issue, we are working closely with support services and agencies.

Roger asked if there are details available of the meaningful action that is taking place with the voluntary sector.

Response – The Beat Sergeants are working with partners, Sarah explained that she is happy to meet to further discuss this.

Rosie Phillips – commented that DHI are seeing an increase in severe mental health cases and this could be due to the rising threshold for cases. There is a task and targeting group where cases are discussed.

Cllr Shaun Stephenson-McGall – commented that there is a perception of who are the victims and perpetrators, there are young people and homeless people that are victims and society needs to support all victims.

Member of the Public – Can you see the link between youth disorder and the decline in the provision of youth services?

Response – There are pockets of youths / young people that cause issues. There are various options that can keep youths / young people engaged. There is an awareness of the cuts and it is worrying when you see people entering the criminal justice system.

Dave Dixon – commented on the high numbers of violence against people incidents and how we reach the figure of over 400 cases a month.

Response – These numbers follow national trends, we can meet to discuss the breakdown in more detail.

Ashley Ayre – explained that the training and development around domestic abuse cases and the way cases are being recorded can skew figures.

The homelessness issue does see people moving through the system; we have an annual count where last year’s population saw 27 people in the street community, we now only see 3 of those people included in this year numbers. There are links to mental health issues, agencies have to use various methods to assist those in need.