Minutes:
The Police update was provided by the Borough Commander.
The Committee were updated on how MOPAC 7 offences were performing against the financial year baseline of 2011/12. At the previous meeting it was reported that the overall crime figures had decreased by 16.5%. It was reported at this meeting that the overall crime figures had decreased by 17.2%.
The Borough Commander expected that Bromley Police would end the five year period with a final overall reduction in crime of between 18 and 18.3%. Currently the MET was sitting at 18.4%.
It was noted that there had been a substantial decrease in the number of burglaries. There had been an overall reduction to date in these offences of 25.8%. This had resulted in a net decrease in burglaries of 900 per annum.
Violence with Injury offences had increased; and the current statistics showed that over the five year period to date, the figures had increased by 8.2%. Robbery offences had decreased, with an overall reduction for the period of 48.2%.
Theft from persons had increased by 5.6% over the five year period. Bromley had experienced an increase in the rate of offences involving the theft of motor vehicles. Over the five year period, this had increased by 3.8%. Bromley had the highest rate of TOMV in London in the last twelve months. There was a particular problem with the theft of mopeds. Similarly, during October and November, Bromley had the highest number of vans stolen in London. The Crays was a hotspot for this type of crime. The Borough Commander was of the opinion that vans were being taken to be used in other crimes, and to be taken to “chopping shops”. A “chopping shop” was a location where vehicles were taken to be dismantled for parts. Kate Frail commented that many of the clients that she had dealt with had their vehicles stolen
Theft from motor vehicles was decreasing, and decoy operations were being used. This offence had decreased by 31.1% over the five year period.
Bromley Police were waiting for new targets that would be made known after the Mayoral Elections in May.
The response times to emergency calls were still good. “I” calls were responded to within 15 minutes on 90% of occasions. Calls that required a response within 60 minutes were 91.5% on target. The Police were also measured with respect to how much confidence was placed in them by the public; this had increased by 72%.
There had been an incident in the INTU Shopping Centre on Boxing Day. There were initial fears that this was a terrorist related incident, but this was not the case. It was in fact a gang related incident. One offender had been detained at the scene, and had been charged with violent disorder and the possession of an offensive weapon. A second offender was similarly charged after being treated in hospital for a stab wound. A third suspect had been detained and bailed. The investigation was ongoing. The Borough Commander praised Intu Staff.
Over the Christmas period there were also incidents where pigs were loose on the A21 and there had been a major gas leak in Crystal Palace which had resulted in people being evacuated from the area.
Work was progressing in Bromley schools to educate children concerning the dangers of associating with gangs, and to deter them from getting involved. There were currently three officers in the Gangs Team, dealing with various matters, including cross border issues and enforcement. The Committee heard that Gang activity included the “running” of drugs to different geographical areas, including Portsmouth and Norwich. It was noted that at the next meeting of the Safer Neighbourhood Board in Chislehurst, there would be a Gang presentation.
The Borough Commander updated Members concerning the rollout of “Met Trace”, and stated that Bromley Police had a target rollout of 3822 by the end of March. The Police had rolled out 2546 to date, with 460 refusals. The product was being rolled out in St Mary Cray, Anerley and Crystal Palace.
The Committee were informed that it was likely that the local policing structure would change, that it would not be borough based, but would be part of a BCU (Basic Command Unit) structure. A Basic Command Unit was the largest unit into which territorial British Police forces could be divided. Most forces were divided into at least three BCUs and some had many more. Most BCUs were further subdivided into smaller units. The BCU was usually commanded by a Chief Superintendent.
Neighbourhood policing was still in place, as well as youth policing and Town Centre Teams. It was the case that some elements of the new policing model had been implemented, and this would be expanded upon in March.
Cllr David Cartwright asked how the MET’s aim of increasing the number of armed response officers would affect Bromley police. The Borough Commander answered that this was unclear at the present time. It was possible that the number of Armed Response Units may double, and that there would be an increase in the number of officers that could be routinely armed.
The Portfolio Holder raised the matter of Voluntary Appropriate Adults (VAA’s). These were being used in Hounslow, and she asked if they were being used in Bromley. The Borough Commander responded that they were provided to the Police by a third party organisation. The Portfolio Holder suggested that information concerning VAA’s be disseminated in the next edition of the Safer Bromley News to encourage further volunteers.
The Chairman thanked the Borough Commander for his comprehensive update.
RESOLVED that the Police update be noted.