Meeting documents

Prior to the commencement of the formal business of the meeting, a one minute silent tribute was held to the memory of those killed in a terrorist incident in London earlier in the day.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 20 December, 2016, copy attached as an appendix.

RESOLVED –

That the minutes of the meeting held on 20 December 2016 be approved as a correct record.

To consider the attached report (appendices to follow).

Contact Officer:  Will Rysdale (01296) 585561

Prior to the commencement of the formal business, the Committee received an update from the Assistant Director for Community Fulfilment outlining the staffing structural changes that had taken place within the Community Safety team as part of the Commercial AVDC programme.  They were also introduced to Mr Chris Oliver who had joined the team as the Community Safety Advisor.

The Committee received a report and was informed about current crime levels, a summary of activity on the delivery of the Aylesbury Vale Community Safety Partnership (AVCSP) Plan and also updated on some of the recent and future changes taking place in connection with community safety.  The Annual Plan for 2016/17 and the draft plan for 2017/18, as well as the Community Safety Strategy 2017 – 2020 were all included as appendices to the Committee report.

Members were informed that recorded crime in 2016/17 had increased by 4.4% (286 crimes, year to date) compared to the same time in 2015/16.  This was partly due to changes made by the Home Office in how crime figures were recorded and which had been introduced from April 2015.  Increased had taken place in the following categories:

·                    All crime (excluding fraud).

·                    Violent crime.

·                    Robbery.

·                    Burglary (homes).

·                    Homophobic crime.

It was reported that Racially or Religiously aggravated crime had fallen despite the national trend which had seen an increase attributed to Brexit.  It was, however, recognised that both hate crime and homophobic crime was under reported.  As well as this, Homophobic crime was greatly under reported so the increased figure was interpreted as an indication of increased victim confidence to report incidences.

The Thames Valley Police Commander for Aylesbury Vale provided Members with more information and context to the crime figures.  It was explained that the number of reported burglaries had been falling over the past few years and the increase now was due to numbers returning to a normal level.  It was believe that the perpetrators were organised ‘professionals’ who operated deliberately on the edges on District jurisdictions and that had led to the increase of burglaries in rural outbuildings. The Police were working with Community Safety Officers to address this through offering support and advice on keeping homes safe and offering tools and other property marking equipment.  Members were also informed that the Community Safety team supported campaigns that had been conducted nationally through social media, an example of which was the "White Ribbon" campaign which aimed to reduce male violence against women and girls.  In addition, a local Prison Governor had joined the Bucks Community Safety Partnership to support the rehabilitation of offenders.

The Committee was informed of upcoming projects for 2017/18 which focussed on tackling crime and creating resilience within communities.  Prevention was also a key aspect of the projects, an example of which was the Vulnerable Tenancy Group.  This aimed to support those who were at risk of losing their homes and of being exploited by criminal gangs.  Another aspect of the project was tackling anti-social behaviour, which was often a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To consider the future work programme.  Meetings are scheduled as follows:-

·                    13 June 2017:  VAHT Annual Update, Sustainable Travel Plan, Local Climate Impacts, Assessment of Open Space, Sports and Recreation needs in Aylesbury Vale (this last item is a VALP supporting document, so there is the possibility that it will be deferred).

·                    20 September 2017: No items as yet.

·                    2 November 2017: No items as yet.

Contact Officers: Craig Saunders (01296) 585043 / Chris Ward (01296) 585807

The Committee considered their future work programme as submitted to the meeting.  Members commented that future agenda items could include receiving an update from the County Council on road repairs, Housing acute needs and the Food Service Plan 2017-18.

RESOLVED –

That the current work programme be noted.