Agenda item

·       Crime Trends

·       BCU Policing update

(Relevant to all priority areas of the Community Safety Strategy)

Detective Inspector Rawlinson provided a verbal update.

Covid-19 had massive impact on policing since March 2020 with operational challenges. The police had reviewed operations throughout and had not stopped providing any services. Some services such as Safer Neighbourhood Boards and Ward Panels had moved to virtual meetings.

The police had worked closely with partners, particularly local authorities. Mr Khan, Mr Leng and Mr Clifton had been invaluable during this time, providing daily contact points on enforcement and legislation. The police also meet weekly with Barnet’s senior leadership team on issues relating to the pandemic.

For the Met police operational resilience has been an issue, with some staff having to shield. At the most 22% of officers have been away from work due to Covid/self-isolating but response to crimes had been maintained. Staff are having to change ways of working and buildings had had to be adapted, and risk assessments carried out.

The Met in Barnet has introduced Operation Fortify to move to an enforcement approach where needed.

The police have been providing extra support for vaccination centres to ensure that vulnerable residents can safely receive their vaccinations. 

Colindale Police Station is undergoing major refurbishment so currently Harrow Police Station is being used for custody for Barnet. The work should be completed by summer 2021. Colindale’s front police station counter may need to also be temporarily moved for a few weeks but would remain open 24/7.

The BCU has an increased number of police officers, with 1481 out of 1499 posts filled. This included an increase in filled vacancies and also an increase in the number of posts. The BCU is supporting the work undertaken by the Home Office on underrepresented groups and is keen for local police officers to reflect the local community.

DI Rawlinson reported that the following week, Chief Superintendent Sara Leach returns from maternity leave. Spt Louis Smith would revert to Headquarter Superintendent. Spt Tanya Martin, new Response Team Superintendent, would join the BCU and DI Rawlinson would revert to CI Neighbourhoods. He and possibly also Spt Martin would attend SCPB meetings.

The BCU has a small team of officers, led by Inspector Wazeem Safraz, who will be putting the London Mayor’s Action plan to improve confidence for black communities in particular, into action in the NW BCU. Details would be presented to the SCPB. 

The BCU would conduct a review of the Safer Neighbourhood Boards over the next few months. These drive scrutiny of policing and the governance of these is important to get right. 

Barnet’s Ward Boundary Review in 2022, from 21 to 23 Wards would have an impact on the BCU, with discussions to follow. Currently there are 2 DWOs and one PCSO.

The Chairman asked whether crime had reduced during the pandemic overall. DI Rawlinson responded that robbery patrols continued and burglars continued to be arrested. Crime had tended to shift towards anti-social behaviour (ASB) which includes Covid breaches. There had been reductions in major crime types, burglary and robbery in particular.

The Chairman noted that the new Wards would have two Members rather than three as they would cover smaller areas. He enquired whether information was available on how these might operate, such as from neighbouring Boroughs. DI Rawlinson responded that this is due to be considered but most Boroughs have three-Member Wards. 

The Chairman expressed his congratulations for Mr Oxenham who was recognised in the New Year Honours List for his work as a Special Constable in Barnet for several decades.