Agenda item

The Merged Crime and Disorder Reduction Manager reported that each year the CDRP had to produce a strategic assessment which had to be reviewed on an annual basis. 

The strategic assessment was evidence based and incorporated actions and initiatives.  The report had been considered by the Responsible Authorities Group at their last meeting. 

There were peaks of crime at certain times of the year and there was a need for members of the public to report crime to enable it to be measured.  Domestic violence could be a hidden crime. 

Members queried those measures and targets that had a red status. 

It was noted that 1.5 Reduce crime in Chorley.  Target 3% by March 2011 had been removed from the corporate strategy. 

Although 1.3 Reduce criminal damage. Target, downward trend. Baseline 1,458 (07/08) was set at red this was due to a month on month comparison.  There was a real need for partnership work on this and reductions were being achieved. 

6.2 Provision of specialist services and interventions - Maintain Specialist Domestic Violence Court status: funding had not been secured for the post of Independent Domestic Violence Advocates for 2010/11.  If funding was not secured this service could be lost.  There was potential to have an indicator for instances of repeat domestic violence next year. 

6.2 Provision of specialist services and interventions – Increase available places by 1.  Currently there are refuge places for 3 families.  There was no funding available to increase the provision, a meeting was scheduled to discuss the potential to increase provision. 

Member noted that there were six mini matacs within Chorley in areas with a disproportionate amount of crime and disorder issues.  The mini matacs were intelligence led.  South Ribble had recently introduced 1 mini matac. 

Promote the Safer Chorley and South Ribble Partnership.  An improved mechanism was requested for the communication of work undertaken by the partnership, both to the public and to Members, perhaps via PACT meetings.  It was AGREED that a quarterly report be submitted to Members via “intheknow”.  Advance notice of campaigns, where appropriate, was also requested via “intheknow”. 

It was suggested that a single branding scheme would be helpful for the public to identify with the partnership.  The Council’s communications team could be involved in developing this. 

Actions 2009-2011 1.6 Increase the number of available Speed Indicator Device (SpID) sites available in each Borough.  It was suggested that the Neighbourhood officers took on the responsibility for organising volunteers to staff SpIDs.  LCC had the responsibility for training staff and putting the SpIDs up.  Members noted the Council could review the potential for funding to SpIDs as part of the scrutiny of the budget for next year.  It was AGREED that clarification be provided on where responsibility lay for monitoring SpIDS at the next meeting. 

Reduce anti-social behaviour.  Advice and training had been provided to Housing Associations relating to Anti-Social Behaviour Injunctions (ASBIs).  The use of these did save time in the long run, but Housing Associations could only be encouraged to use this mechanism.  Positive feedback had been received where it had been used. 

Increase trader compliance.  Attendance on the course was only offered once, those not taking up the offer would be prosecuted in the usual way.  Repeat offenders would have a review of their licence undertaken. 

Reduction of illicit substances within each Borough.  There were issues with drugs misuse where the substance was not illegal, such as glue sniffing and prescription drugs.  This linked to mental health issues and work with the PCT.  It would be helpful to consider recreational drugs in addition to illegal drugs.  The alcohol co-ordinator was now the project co-ordinator and considered the whole picture of drugs and alcohol misuse. 

Reduction in crime and disorder.  There had been 34 families involved in the Families First project.  There were a range of case requirements, most families had stayed throughout the programme.  The project had really progressed since the current co-ordinator had been in post.  It was AGREED that detailed statistics on the project be presented to the next meeting. 

Families were referred to the project mainly through Housing Associations, with issues such as problematic behaviour, alcohol misuse or truancy.  Councillors could received training on the Common Assessment Framework used to refer families onto the project. 

Reduce homelessness as a result of domestic abuse.  There should be provision for women to move to a neighbouring location and there was a sanctuary scheme in operation between Chorley and South Ribble.  This was an issue across Lancashire.  It was AGREED that more information on this topic and the recommended number of places for a hostel were requested for the next meeting.  It was RECOMMENDED that consideration be given to increase budget provision to the hostel in Chorley and to consider increasing the number of hostel places in Chorley. 

Councillor Harold Heaton left the meeting at 8pm.

Reduce Domestic Violence.  The Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVA) ensure that a system was in place to support people.  It was vital that monthly Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) meetings and the IDVA work together for this to be effective. 

It was noted that the voluntary sector representative had been unwell, it was hoped that a replacement would be in place soon. 

There were links between street pastors and matacs. 

Chief Superintendent Williams complimented the Chorley Neighbourhood Working model and the focus on improving structures and processes. 

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and information requested be presented to the next meeting.