Agenda item

To be presented by Inspector Graham Horton.

Inspector Graham Horton and PC Sarah McCarthy were in attendance to provide an update on the work of Thames Valley Police. The following key points were highlighted:

·             There had been a 9% increase on crimes this year.

·             Resources remain a challenge.

·             The summer had been particularly challenging for neighbourhood officers responding to front line demand.

·             Insp. Horton set out the local TVP priorities for the year which included tackling violent crime, domestic abuse, and motor vehicle theft.

·             Concern was raised over a reported increase in sexual offences this year, and Insp. Horton advised that he would review the data and report back to the board.

·             The following questions would be responded to in writing:

o   (Councillor Poland-Goodyer) Do TVP operate a close pass scheme to report 'punishment passes' of cyclists? Similar to this? https://www.hampshire.police.uk/news/hampshire/news/appeals/2020/july/close-pass-campaign-a-success-in-basingstoke/ And if not, could we?

o   (Bill Russell) What should residents do when they see people on their own electric scooters riding on pavements ?

Thanks, were expressed to the officers for their hard work, and for coming along to the meeting.

Written responses to questions published as part of the minutes:

Written response from Insp. Horton to the question received in relation to sexual offences and the increase year on year

These are the figures for the Aylesbury Vale LPA

Rape

2018/19 - 144

2019/20 – 133

2020/21 – 161    This is a 21.1% increase year on year and a 12% increase on 18/19

These figures need to be viewed in the context of improved recording of crime, and an increase in reporting of offences. We believe that there is still under reporting of this type of offence for a number of reasons. It has been a national priority for Police forces to identify hidden harm and to improve reporting -  through third parties as an example.

A positive message for the Aylesbury Vale LPA is that we achieved a 240% increase in positive outcomes – more offenders have been brought to justice for rape offences.

Non rape sexual offences have also seen an increase, however there is a reduction on the pre-pandemic number.

2018/19 - 294

2019/20 – 235

2020/21 – 278

Written response from Hants & TVP Road Safety Unit to the question received in relation to the close pass scheme and cyclists

Hants and TVP Road Safety Unit does carry out ‘Safe Pass’ cycle operations as part of wider education about vulnerable road users and sharing the roads with everyone. These operations need to be held on roads with a 30 mph speed limit, no current cycle lane/ track provision and where vehicles can be safely stopped at a check site. We work with internal teams and external partners to run the operations which involve a police officer riding a pedal cycle around a pre-determined route. The cycle is fitted with cameras which are recording the journey and when any vehicles get too close or pass inappropriately, a police motorcyclist will then stop the offending vehicle. The driver is then educated about what they have done, the implications and how best they can rectify their driving in future. It is predominantly an educational opportunity and to increase awareness. Subject to adequate resources, an operation within the Aylesbury area would be possible.

An online form can be completed for driving allegation or collision depending on the circumstances, which include cycling - this enables TVP to then request footage. This has been in place since 2018. Report a road traffic incident | Thames Valley Police.

Written response from Hants & TVP Road Safety Unit to the question received in relation to electric scooters on pavements

The issue of e-scooters, and particularly privately owned scooters, is one that causes many problems and reporting offenders is one such issue. Unless the incident is filmed and the witness knows the rider with sufficient detail we are very unlikely to be able to identify the offender and deal. If officers happen to be in the vicinity at the time of an incident they will intervene and deal. Operations are conducted to tackle the issue of illegal e-scooters which help to raise the profile of the issue however, this is only effective for the time the operation is in action. We would dissuade residents from intervening themselves due to risk posed by the e-scooter itself and they would never really know who may be riding them. Whilst riders have bought e-scooters for legitimate and well-meaning reasons (eco-mobility, congestion avoidance and cost), there will be a percentage who use them wilfully and to facilitate criminal activities, especially in busy urban environments. We would keenly discourage members of the public intervening directly.