Agenda item

The Community Safety and Partnerships Specialist presented a report which updated Members about community safety activities in the District. The report focused on the work of the Tandridge Community Safety Partnership Board (“TCSPB”), their priorities for 2021/22 and the outcomes from the 2021 Action Plan. A summary of other notable achievements from the last year was also provided.

A presentation was also given by Inspector Karen Hughes (Surrey Police - Borough Commander) which included:

• an overview of the current Tandridge Borough policing team

• a summary of the 2021 highlights, which included:

• a presentation of Tandridge Crime Data for 2020/2021

• a summary of the Tandridge Borough Priorities for 2022, which included:

A concern was raised that the report did not include any statistical information on how the TCSPB priorities were agreed and that it did not appear to reflect the concerns felt by residents within the District.  It was explained that priorities were set using data from TCSPB partner agencies and that data is not always available to evidence the presence of Serious Organised Crime.  Inspector Hughes offered to meet outside of the meeting to discuss the type of intelligence that the Committee would find useful.  It was noted that the level of resourcing in the Communities Team was significantly less than in other authorities across the County. 

The discussion also commented on the creation of the Frauds and Scams Working Group which was an area of concern in the District following an increase of this offence during Covid.  It was noted that this was a challenging area to police and resource.  There was a need to increase awareness of the issue, particularly in areas where door knocking scams were taking place.  It was noted that the Working Group would review whether any funding routes were available to the Council to enable further work in the area.

In response to a question about improved collation of community intelligence, it was noted that the Police had started engaging Communities in problem solving incidents in their area, the aim of which was to increase engagement from the public.  The Police were keen to increase public confidence so incidents are reported when they happen.  It was noted that Inspector Hughes would welcome more regular meetings with Councillors to try and make sure the correct messages about crime reporting is being circulated to residents.

It was noted that Officers had received training on Community Protection Warnings and Notices, which could be used by Council Officers to tackle low level Anti-Social Behaviour within the District.

The issue of CCTV was raised and a question was asked as to the Police’s views on CCTV and whether there was any funding available to help with its installation.  Inspector Hughes could raise this with the PCC but it was understood that there appeared to be a move away from funding the installation of CCTV.  However, there may be the possibility to obtain funding via the Safer Streets initiative in order to improve safety for women and girls in the District.

In response to a question about the best method for contacting the Police locally, it was noted that information could be shared both on social media and in the next Tandridge District Magazine.

It was noted that, in relation to knife crime, an ‘intensification week’ was planned during which there would be dedicated publicity campaign and amnesty bins in the District.  Inspector Hughes would confirm the date of this campaign after the meeting.

Due to some concerns raised about the contents of the reports to the Committee and the flow of information from the Community Safety Partnerships Board and the Police and Crime Panel, the Chairman proposed a future meeting with relevant Officers and Councillors to discuss further.  It was noted that Councillor Gillman sits on the Community Safety Partnerships Board and the Police and Crime Panel for the Police and Crime Commissioner and should be the liaison for Councillors as to the contents of the briefings.

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