Agenda item

The Community Safety Officer gave a presentation on the Bolsover Community Safety Partnership (CSP).  The CSP’s mission statement was to “work together to reduce crime and disorder and improve the quality of life for you and your Community”.  The presentation covered:

·       Why we have a Partnership;

·       Statutory organisations in the CSP;

·       Bolsover CSP and Priorities;

·       Police and Crime Commissioner New Priorities (2022-2025);

·       What had been achieved.

The current three-year plan covered 2023-26 and had been developed from the findings of a Joint Strategic Intelligence Assessment.  The design of these plans had been tailored to each local authority.

The local Police and Crime Commissioner’s New Priorities (Police Crime Plan 2022-2025) was also presented to the Committee, but with 2024 being an election year, the current plans could change.

For the CSP’s priorities for 2023-2026, the intent was to: reduce and manage Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and criminal damage; reduce domestic abuse, violent crime and sexual offences; counter terrorism; reduce and prevent acquisitive crime (vehicle crime – the District was in close proximity to a motorway); reduce alcohol and substance misuse; and reduce the risk of child exploitation.  The Community Safety Officer stressed the one cross cutting theme: to build cohesive communities capable of resisting crime and actions of disorder.

The CSP worked closely with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, receiving £25,000 last year in financial support (that was reviewed every year).  This grant helped fund projects like youth diversionary activities and the purchase and installation of CCTV cameras.  There was also contingency planning for emerging risks and threats; examples were shown of the diversionary activities deployed in 2023-24, as well as what the CSP had achieved, including the provision of personal alarms and door cameras to reduce the fear of crime, crime being repeated, as well as the purchase of wildlife cameras that could record deliberate fires and acts of fly tipping.

The Community Safety Officer passed over to Sergeant Martyn Whyte to elaborate on the work of the CSP.

Sergeant Whyte noted the CSP team was effective as there was strong leadership in place, resulting in Bolsover performing better than neighbouring local authorities.  Some projects in place across the District would not have taken place without CSP funding.  Successes included large LED electronic speed boards and banners and stands outside of primary and secondary schools to help improve road safety.  Another secondary benefit of the police visiting schools was building up a beneficial relationship between the police and young people.

In recent years, the District had encountered high levels of burglary, shoplifting and theft due to the ongoing Cost of Living Crisis, but there had also been high levels of domestic abuse.  One project used Acceptable Behavioural Contracts (ABCs) and had been established with the intention of the police attending meetings with young people and their parents to try and learn why crimes were being committed.  Sergeant Whyte reiterated that the District was an example of success in respect of the CSP.

The Committee discussed the use of electronic speed boards and facilities for young people to help reduce Anti-Social Behaviour.

The Community Safety Officer stated that for all projects, like new play areas, deterring Anti-Social Behaviour was considered as part of the design process.

The Anti-Social Behaviour Officers left the meeting.

A Member noted that whilst they realised it was not practical for the CSP to engage with all parish councils individually, a single representative could be allocated to attend any/all meetings and be informed of the data every quarter.  The Community Safety Officer confirmed that the CSP Strategic Group had a parish council representative, but they were not yet in place. Once appointed all parish councils would be informed of who the representative was.

In response to a question regarding fly tipping, the Community Safety and Enforcement Manager confirmed that any impact from changes at recycling centres would be monitored.

Moved by Councillor Rob Hiney-Saunders and seconded by Councillor Carol Wood

RESOLVED that the report and presentation be noted.