Agenda item

The ASB and Envirocrime update was provided by Peter Sibley—ASB Co-ordinator.

Forty nine high profile ASB offenders were visited by the multi-agency team; 43 fire safety installations had been carried out for vulnerable people. 

New work had been undertaken with British Transport Police and with Network Rail. The operations with Network Rail linked in with ‘county lines’ investigations as far as Kent. The operations had been focused around Penge and St Mary Cray stations. In the last three months, 58 people had been dealt with for offences just at those two stations.

Work was also being undertaken with British Transport Police and Network Rail with respect to human slavery. Mr Sibley expressed thanks to Mark Wells for his help and support. Seven weapon sweeps had been undertaken and knife arches had been employed in train stations during operations.

A large garage that had been used for crime related activities had been demolished and re-developed into flats. There had been a 40% reduction in the MOPAC wards for arson in the previous 6 months. December was one of the main months for arson offences. Cray Valley East was one of the main areas for arson; many fires were caused by dumped rubbish that had not been cleared. A plan was needed to reduce arson in the Cray Valley area; operations were planned with the Organised Crime Command (OCC). The OCC were interested in getting involved due to possible links with organised crime. 

The number of ASB offences had decreased in the MOPAC wards by 17%; this was the result of intelligence led operations and the targeting of high profile offenders. 

Ms Baldwin asked if train stations were going to be manned to reduce crime. 

It was suggested that efforts be made to persuade Railtrack to man problem stations so that crime related activities at the train stations would reduce.

Feedback from the community was good, and the public were getting more involved in Community Impact Days.

The Chairman and Mr Vale thanked Mr Sibley for his hard work and dedication.

Post Meeting Note:

The Borough Fire Commander had to leave the meeting before it was ended as he was required to attend another event—he later asked if the following could be added as a post meeting action point for consideration by the Group:

The Community Impact days are delivering real results with regard to both arson and ASB across the 4 wards targeted.

It is encouraging to see some real committed action in the Star Lane area around CCTV and initiatives to reduce the fly tipping. Unfortunately , the six cctv cameras that were installed have been stolen.

The ASB team would like the SBP to endorse a proposal to look at limiting the traffic flow in Star Lane by either a one way system or a permanent road closure in the area where the majority of the fly tipping is taking place.

RESOLVED that:

1) The ASB and Envirocrime Sub-Group update be noted

2) The SBP consider endorsing a proposal from the ASB Team to limit the traffic flow in Star Lane by either a one way system or a permanent road closure