Agenda item

7.1

The Committee received a presentation from Simon Mitchell, Community Service Manager. The presentation covered what the Community Safety Team did and the common issues that they faced. It also highlighted some of the positive been carried out.

Allen Watt, Sustainable Community Officer, addressed the LAC. He explained there was a team of Community Officers now in place and that they worked closely with South Yorkshire Police for dealing and reducing anti-social behaviour in the area.

7.2

The presentation would be published on the Council’s meeting webpages, following the meeting.

7.3

Following the presentation, Members of the Committee broke out into breakout groups with Officers and members of the public. They were asked to consider the following 2 questions.

1. How can we improve what we do to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour?

2. How do you think you can help?

7.4

Following the breakout session, one person from each group was asked to feedback their groups thoughts. A summary of that feedback were as follows: -

7.5

Group 1

• Crime was a wide subject and covered a variety of issues.
• The Cost-of-living crisis was only going to get worse. This could also increase crime rates.
• Needed to work more closely with communities in regard to dealing with violent crime and crime against women.
• Discussed 101 helpline compared to 999 emergency helpline.
• Community intelligence and passing on information to the Police. Could there also be an application developed to communicate between communities and relevant authorities.

7.6

Group 2

• Discussed issues around people’s confidence when reporting crime.
• Needed to promote positive behaviours so people knew that doing the right thing helped others in the community.
• Discussed the importance of using a variety of methods to communicate and report crime the Police.
• Using local venues to share information on how residents can report crime.
• Make the most of using the routes already in place to reduce the increase of expenditure.
• Sustainable Community Officers needed their own Twitter page.

7.7

Group 3

• Discussed whether we should be taking a public health approach to community safety.
• Communication was an issue that needed to be improved.
• Difficulties getting through to the 101 helpline.
• Residents were usually aware of where crimes was been committed, but the delays with reporting issues usually meant it was over by the time someone was informed.
• Needed quicker reporting methods and quicker responses.
• Needed to encourage residents to speak up and report issues.
• Needed to look at other ways to report crime other than reporting crimes online.
• Look at having an application to report crime, specifically to target fly-tipping.