Agenda item

3.1) Policing

PCSO Thompson provided an overview of crime, crime prevention and policing in the Ward. It was noted that although crime figures for Copmanthorpe were up in some categories, overall the figures were looking good.

Criminal Damage – PC Thompson reported that the police now had the names of four youths in connection with the criminal damage caused between Low Green and Malbys Grove.

Burglaries - There has been an increase in burglaries, particularly in the areas of Manor Heath, College Road and Pike Hills Mount.  PC Thompson stressed the need to always report anything  suspicious.  The information is passed on and checked out, although the public may not always be aware.  With regard to policing in the Ward, it was reported that two officers and a sergeant were allocated to the York West area, which included Copmanthorpe.

Autocrime – The police now have two offenders for these offences.

Anti-Social Behaviour (‘ASB’) - PC Thompson reported that figures were down overall and that drug related offences in particular were down by 25% from last year.  In response to a query, PC Thompson explained that whilst she did not have the exact figures, she was able to contextualise the percentage decrease.

3.2)  Community Safety

Paul Morrison, the Community Safety Manager, outlined possible solutions and deterrents in relation to anti-social behaviour, particularly in the Low Green area. 

Street lighting - One possible solution would be to install extra street lighting.  Although there was no Council budget for this, it could be considered by the Ward budget, should it be deemed appropriate and feasible. In response to a query, Mr Morrison explained that any new lighting options would take account of blackspots and would also look at the optimum placing of lights.

Action:  Mr Morrison to provide the ward with street lighting options with costs.

CCTV - An alternative solution could be to install CCTV.  The costs for this would be dependent on a number of factors, although it was likely to be in the region of £4k - £5k. 

One resident, who had been involved with the CCTV system at the Recreation Centre, pointed out that whilst this was a good idea, what could actually be achieved by CCTV would be dependent on variables such as the quality of the equipment and the use of infra-red, etc.  Careful consideration would need to be given to what the Ward was getting for its money, whether CCTV met its needs and how the annual maintenance would be funded.

In response to a query, Cllr Carr commented that whilst there was a danger that taking such measures may cause ASB to move elsewhere, Low Green is a particular hotspot due to it being both accessible and simultaneously secluded.  Kay Bailey suggested speaking to experts from the Youth and Community Team at the Council for their input regarding diversionary activities.

Residents further pointed out that scooter riding through the snicket at the end of Low Green was also becoming a problem and queried whether any CCTV could be extended to cover that area.  It was also commented that cutting back the overgrown shrubbery would also help to make the snicket safer. Could barriers be installed at either end of the snicket to prevent bikes riding through it?

Action: Mr Morrison to determine the ownership of the overgrown land and to let Cllr Carr know. 

PCSO Thompson and Paul Morrison left the meeting.