Agenda item

To consider a report of the North East Locality Safety Partnership which  provides an overview of the performance of the North East Locality Safety  partnership covering the period 1^st April 2013 to 31st^t March 2014.

The report also and provides an update on the development of neighbourhood management tasking arrangements and West Yorkshire Police Programme of change. The report includes the performance of the North East Locality  Safety partnership  including  crime statistics, public confidence and user satisfaction.

(Report attached)

The North East Locality Safety Partnership submitted a report which  provided an overview of the performance of the North East Locality Safety  partnership covering the period 1^st April 2013 to 31st^t March 2014.

The report provided an update on the development of neighbourhood management tasking arrangements and West Yorkshire Police Programme of change. The report included the performance of the North East Locality  Safety partnership including crime statistics, public confidence and user satisfaction.

Beverley Yearwood, Area Community Safety Co-ordinator, presented the report and together with Chief Inspector Davison, West Yorkshire Police, responded to Members comments and queries.

Detailed discussion ensued on the contents of the report which included:

·  Police Programme of Change and new agreed tasking arrangements

·  Outer North East Tasking Teams

·  Overall Crime

·  Burglary

·  Anti Social Behaviour

Mrs Yearwood said total recorded crime across the Outer North East area had decreased by 6% with 2167 offences recorded compared with 2306 in the previous 12/13 reporting period.

Councillor Harrand queried the 50% increase in theft of motor vehicles within the Harewood ward

In responding Chief Inspector Davison said that although the percentage increase was high the actual number of incidents was low. One incident last year, rising to two this year.

The Chair sought clarification in respect of the incidents of violent crime in the Harewood ward, an increase of 74% compared to the previous reporting period (26 more offences)

Chief Inspector Davison said incidents of robbery and theft accounted for the increase. Chief Inspector Davison offered to supply a breakdown of the different types of crime to Members

Councillor Lamb raised the issue of child exploitation and asked how it was identified as a priority?

Chief Inspector Davison said it was important to work in partnership with other agencies on such cases. He reported the creation of a specialist unit “Safeguarding and Child Exploitation” based at WYP Divisional Headquarters at Elland Road.

Councillor Robinson questioned the 30% increase in drug offences in the Harewood ward.

Chief Inspector Davison said the offenders were mainly small time dealers. He reported that the police were now more proactive in focusing on drug related activity and drug farms were now becoming more prevalent in the Outer North  East area.

The Chair questioned the burglary statistics for the Wetherby ward an increase of 33% (20 more victims of burglary)

Chief Inspector Davison referred to “operation alto” which had been put in place to tackle stealing from garden sheds and garages, it was reported  some offenders had been detected.

Councillor Robinson asked if the thefts were linked to drug use.

In responding Chief Inspector Davison said some Class B use but on a small scale. The thefts were mainly a means to make money.

Chief Inspector Davison said that in order to address such offences “offender management” would be used.

The Chair referred to the Community Safety Partnership and in particular 1400 cases of domestic violence and abuse across the city.

Mrs Yearwood reported that the Domestic Violence for Leeds Strategy had recently been ratified and would be published shortly. Members were informed that a profile was been put together for the whole of East North East Leeds. Discussions will take place on the 23^rd October 2014 at the locality safety partnership as to how the strategy in localities can be delivered.

The Chair thanked Mrs Yearwood and Chief Inspector Davison for their attendance and responding to Members questions.

RESOLVED –

(i)  That the contents of the report be noted

(ii)  To continue supporting the locality Community Safety Partnership in relation to prioritising and tackling Burglary Dwelling during 2014/15 through partnership work at neighbourhood level.