Agenda item

Five priorities were set in November 2012; the focus being on intelligence gathering and work ‘on the ground’.

Anti-Social Behaviour (update by Mike Hill):

Working alongside the Housing Department, providers of Mental Health support, the Environment Agency and the Environmental Health Department at SCDC, strong action has been taken in resolving problems relating to anti-social behaviour.

Cases remain low, but specific resolutions were undertaken in Girton, Teversham, Cambourne and Whittlesford.

Emerging themes include the increased co-operation of members of the community if involved in the resolution process. Improved information-sharing systems, a victim-centred approach and more creative thinking has led to reducing the risk for vulnerable people.

Anti-social behaviour relating to road safety, i.e. dangerous parking or speeding, has been embedded in the work of the Local Health Partnership to reduce an overlap with work being carried out by the CDRP.

Business Crime (update by DI Darren Alderson):

Business crime overall has seen a 6% reduction. This has mainly been due to a more cohesive coordinated approach to tackling crime in rural areas. Retail crime has been reduced by moving CCTV to more appropriate places to improve the identification of perpetrators.

A dedicated PCSO has been coordinating with links already in existence, such as Cambridge City schemes and the successful Pub Watch scheme. Ecops has proved a useful tool in sharing intelligence and increasing awareness of vulnerable areas.

Despite on-going problems relating to diesel theft, a positive effect has been observed across the District; the key focus now being on travelling offenders that use road and rail links in to the District from further afield. Plans have been put in place to keep track of Integrated Offenders already in the system, to prevent repeat offending.

Growth and New Communities (update by Mike Hill):

Plans are being put in place to ‘design crime out’ of new developments by building a solid relationship between Planners and the CDRP Tasking & Co-ordination Group aims. By using operational experience and lessons learnt from for example, Cambourne, a long-term creative plan would be put in place to prevent pockets of anti-social behaviour in open spaces or poorly-lit areas.

Integrated Offender Management (update by DI Mick Birchall):

Since April 2012, 3 cases have risen to 5. This was not considered a bad thing as it shows that the scheme is working and is able to monitor more offenders successfully. Compared with neighbouring Authorities this figure is extremely low, especially when compared to Peterborough who are currently managing between 70 and 80 offenders.

Using a joined-up approach, re-offending has been reduced with improved monitoring and support being provided to offenders once released from prison. Cambridgeshire Constabulary have agreed to underwrite the ECINS software, funding for which, can be claimed back by the Board. This software will enable agencies to share intelligence and maintain a more co-ordinated approach to offender management. It can be used to monitor ASB information, Probation, Licensing, Troubled Families and multiple occupancy homes. This would be a county-wide opportunity to also include the Department of Health, in particular mental health professionals and Peer Support Groups.

The key aim moving forward was to integrate offenders back into the community by formalising the relationship. Improving on the range of practical support on offer and increasing work opportunities.

Domestic Abuse (update by Gemma Barron):

During the first quarter, the Domestic Violence Advocacy Service dealt with 23 cases; this has since risen during quarter 2 to 52 due to its expansion and ability to take on more medium risk cases. 83% of victims are engaging with the service and a Young Persons Independent Advocacy Worker has been assigned to look after victims in the 13-19 age bracket.

Safety Plans are in use and intervention with young people has helped to prevent domestic abuse from occurring. The Freedom Programme has enabled lower risk perpetrators to get involved and get help; this is a voluntary service and is proving effective.