Agenda item

This report provides an overview of the detailed data contained within the Safer York Partnership bi-annual performance report.

Members considered a report which provided an overview of the data contained within the Safer York Partnership bi-annual performance report. 

Members questioned the representatives from the Safer York Partnership and North Yorkshire Police on the following issues:

Anti-Social behaviour

Officers stated that initiatives such as Operation Erase were working well and were having a positive impact in reducing levels of anti-social behaviour.  The co-operation between train companies, licensees, the Police and other agencies was also working very well in tackling the particular issues that were occurring on Saturdays.   Members agreed that it would be useful for an update on Operation Erase to be given at their meeting in November.

Cycle Theft and Cycling Offences

Members asked if the lack of secure cycle storage in the city centre was a factor in cycle theft.  Officers confirmed that cycle theft continued to be a priority and was an ongoing issue.  There had been a recent increase in the number of incidents but strategies such as promoting the marking of property were ongoing.  In response to questions from Members, officers gave details of the action that was taken in respect of cyclists who breached regulations, for example by cycling on the pavement.

Street Begging

Officers were asked about the situation in respect of street begging.  They stated that this was a cyclical problem and they outlined the approach that was taken, including involving support service providers as appropriate.  Officers outlined some of the challenges regarding enforcement to tackle this issue.  It was noted that there had been an increase in the number of rough sleepers in the city but that this was not always associated with homelessness and that there were other contributory factors. 

Hate Crime

At the request of Members, details were given of the number of hate crime and hate incidents that had been recorded.  Officers stated that, in line with the national trend, there had been a slight increase in June 2016 although this had not continued.  Members commented on the need to take seriously the issue of hate crime.  It was suggested that education programmes in school were crucial in tackling this issue.  Officers stated that the Hate Crime Strategy and the Community Safety Strategy were due to be refreshed and it was suggested that it may be useful for the committee to be involved in this process.  Although both documents were due to run until March 2017, it had been agreed that because of the change in delivery, the reviews would take place before this.  Members requested that a copy of the current Hate Crime Strategy be circulated to the committee.

Drug related Crime

Officers were asked if statistical information could be provided in respect of drug related crime. Members were informed that although a significant amount of crime was committed by drug users, it was difficult to define a crime as being drug related unless the offender stated that they had committed the crime to support a drug habit.  Further consideration would be given as to the data that could be provided to the committee regarding this issue.

Resolved:  That the report be noted.

Reason:     To ensure that the committee is kept updated on crime levels in the city.