Agenda item

Inspector Kenny (GMP) addressed the meeting and gave an update on crime levels in Whitefield.

It was reported that compared to the same period in 2013 there had been 164 less victims of crime in Whitefield. The reduction was as follows:

·        58 less victims of violence (including domestic violence);

·        23 less house burglaries;

·        10 less acts of robbery;

·        25 less car break-ins.

One area of concern related to an increase in the incidence of hate crime, with 11 crimes recorded. The police take the issue of hate crime very seriously will investigate each crime to establish the reasons for the increase. It was suggested that one reason could be that victims were more   confident about reporting crime.

The partnership working that exists between the Police and other organisations such as Bury Council have contributed greatly to the reductions in reported crime.

The Chair invited questions.

MR Marshall asked if the criteria used for recording crime has changed?

It was reported that GMP has a very stringent process for recording and checking crime committed. This process had not changed or been amended.

Councillor Jones asked what the period of was used for the information presented?

It was reported the period of recording crime started on 1 April and ended on 31 March the following year. The periods checked for the purposes of the meeting were 2012/13 and 2013/14

Councillor Mathews referred to the issue of speeding vehicles on Parr Lane and asked what local residents could do to record and inform the police of       such incidents.

Inspector Kenny stated that it was important for residents to record incidents and forward them to the police in order for intelligence to be gathered and co-ordinated action to be taken.

What are the reasons for the reduction in crime?

The reduction is a result of a change in the policing model which has brought       together crime specialists, local Police Officers and Police Community     Supports Officers. Policing is intelligence led and focus has been on the causes of crime.

Councillor Grimshaw reported that the had been an issue with a group of young people which had congregated on the Elms Close after being dispersed by Police Community Supports Officers. Elms Close is in a residential area of mainly elderly residents who may feel threatened by the group.

Inspector Kenny reported that he would make a record and look at the matter, the reasons why they were meeting there and work on a solution.   There were a number of measures to be taken involving talking to the people involved, talking or writing to the parents. This could be enforced               through agreements and contracts if necessary.

Mr Marshall reported that he had witnessed school children walking on the Metrolink track on two occasions between Whitefield and Radcliffe.

Inspector Kenny stated that contact could be made to either Metrolink or the Police. In view of the potential danger the school children were in it may be necessary to ring 999 as an emergency. The Inspector undertook to investigate the matter. School were regularly visited to highlight the dangers of walking on tracks.

Inspector Kenny asked the meeting if the level of service currently provided         by the police was of a satisfactory standard. The response to the question was ‘yes it was’.