Agenda and minutes

Councillor David Longstaff, Chairman of the Safer Communities Partnership Board welcomed the members of the Board and thanked them for their attendance.

Apologies noted from Bradley Few, Bridget O’Dwyer, Nicola Francis, Mathew Kendall, Duncan Tessier and Dr Simon Harding.

Subject to the correction that Ms Manju Lukhman (LBB) was also in attendance, the minutes of the meeting held on 25 April 2014 were agreed as a correct record. The Board noted the list of actions recorded in the previous minutes.

The Chairman of the Barnet Safer Neighbourhood Board, Mr Roger Kemp provided a verbal update to the Board and informed that the next meeting of the Barnet SNB will be held on 12 August 2014.

Mr Kemp informed the Board about the statistical information gathered, which will be evaluated and considered at the next SNB meeting on 12 August. 

The Board noted that speakers have been invited to the first public meeting which will be held on 16 September 2014 which will be a good opportunity for Chairs of SNBs to discuss initiatives and share information. 

Chief Superintendent Adrian Usher (Metropolitan Police) informed of the initiatives to raise crime awareness and the measures that residents can take to increase home security.  The Chief Superintendent noted that the correct name of the awareness campaign is Project Mercury.

The Board noted the importance of disseminating the message through Metropolitan Police staff to engage with residents across the Borough and for people to actively endorse and engage in the project.

The Chief Superintendent highlighted that data demonstrates the increased risk of burglary during winter months. It was noted that as properties remain in darkness for longer periods during winter, there is an increased chance of homes being targeted. Information will be disseminated to residents to take simple measures to reduce the risks of burglary and give properties a good security review. The CEO of CommUNITY Barnet Julie Pal informed that the information can be distributed by partners to reach as many residents as possible.

Action: For partners to circulate the seasonal burglary awareness campaign and crime prevention information to staff and other organisations and take part on the day

Peter Clifton, Community Safety Manager, Barnet Community Safety Team  informed about the Safer Homes scheme and the measures being implemented to reduce the risk of property crime being committed, and in particular to repeat victims of burglary.

Mr Clifton informed that a number of schemes are currently being reviewed for effectiveness. As a result a pilot scheme will be launched in designated areas. Mr Clifton highlighted the importance of ensuring that partners and agencies are made of the scheme.

The Head of Community Safety, Kiran Vagarwal introduced the item and the Chairman welcomed guest Sarah Perrin (London Borough of Barnet). The Board noted that the current Community Safety Strategy will continue to operate until December 2014. The Members of the Board were requested to consider the proposed timeline and action plan (Agenda p10).

Action: Feedback on the Community Consultation Plan (Agenda p10) to be forwarded to Kiran Vagarwal or Peter Clifton

The Board noted the proposals for the new Safer Communities Partnership Strategy for 2015-18. It was noted that the consultation is an opportunity for engagement with local communities on how the Board will tackle and prevent crime and disorder, substance misuse and anti-social behaviour. The Chairman noted that following the consultation, the Safer Communities Partnership Strategy 2015-18 will be signed off by the Board on 30^th January 2015.

Roger Kemp, Chairman of the Safer Neighbourhood Board asked whether a presentation could be provided at the SNB meetings on the proposals for the new Safer Communities Partnership Strategy 2015-18. (Action: Ms Vagarwal)

Resolved that the members of the Board consider how they can support the consultation process taking place 28^th July to 3^rd October 2014.

Resolved that the members of the Board provide feedback on the draft Community Safety Strategy between 10^th to 24^th October 2014.

Flo Armstrong (Divisional Manager for Youth and Connexxions, London Borough of Barnet) presented the item and informed that there had been significant improvement in performance in all aspects of the work of the Youth Offending Team since the last inspection in September 2011. It was noted that the Youth Offending Team had ensured that it was supported by all relevant partners in protecting the public from the risk of serious harm. Pam Wharfe, Strategic Director Growth and Environment highlighted the importance of the areas requiring improvement:

• Staff and managers to review all plans when there are changes to the developments of children and young people under supervision and that
• all staff are effectively able to use the recording system employed by the Youth Offending Team.

The Head of Community Safety Kiran Vagarwal introduced the item and informed that the Home Office have chosen Barnet to undergo a Peer Review that aims to support the community safety partnership in developing the way it delivers outcomes in tackling youth violence and managing risks to young victims and offenders.

It was noted that the review will take place over four days in October 2014. Ms Vagarwal noted that the peer reviewers will meet with individuals across the partnership to gain an understanding of the work of the partnership. Ms Vagarwal informed that following the consultation with the peer reviewers, a set of recommendations will be put forward for consideration of the Board.

Action: Head of Community Safety to circulate the list of partners to work together with the peer reviewers

Action: Ms Vagarwal to include the London Fire Brigade to the list of partners

Action: For members of the partnership to put forward a representative for their respective organisation

Chief Superintendent Adrian Usher for Metropolitan Police noted the importance of a partnership and community wide approach to youth crime prevention and effective interventions to minimise risks for youth crime and anti-social behaviour. Ms Vagarwal highlighted the essential elements for an effective gang prevention strategy and the importance of strong local leadership in tackling gangs and youth violence.

Resolved that the members of the Safer Communities Partnership Board note and comment on the contents of the report.

Resolved that the members of the Board nominate officers from their organisations that can meet with peer reviewers.

Resolved that the Board highlight any particular areas they would like the peer review to focus on.

Peter Clifton Community Safety Manager, presented the Performance Dashboard item. Mr Clifton informed the Board that there has been a 20% reduction in Burglary in comparison to the previous year for the period to May 2014.

Mr Clifton noted that the figures for Violent Crime show an increase of 36% in the recent quarter compared to the quarter in the previous year. Furthermore it was noted that other London boroughs have experienced a similar rise in figures for Violent Crime. 

The Board was informed that as a result of a change in reporting requirements, data for violent crimes has been affected. It was noted that other boroughs have experienced a similar trend as a result of the change in the way violent crimes with injury are recorded.

Mr Clifton highlighted that Barnet is ranked second out of 32 for Violent Crime data for the twelve months to May 2014. It was further noted that the data for Reducing Re-offending is from the previous quarter and that an update can be provided

Action: Peter Clifton to include an annotation that figures for Gun crime are intermittent

Action: Peter Clifton to report on updated data for Reducing Re-offending

The Chairman commended the presentations delivered and thanked the members of the Board for the contributions.

•           Forward Plan 2014/15

•           Update from IOM Away Day

Sam Denman (National Probation Service) informed the Board of the excellent participation and attendance at the Integrated Offender Management Away Day. Kiran Vagarwal, the Head of Community Safety informed that members are urged to consider putting forward items for discussion at future meetings of the Safer Communities Partnership Board.

Action Log of meeting held on 25 July 2014

 Hendon Town Hall, The Burroughs, NW4 4BG

Action Log