Agenda item

This cover note is to inform the OSC that the Folkestone & Hythe Community Safety Partnership (CSP) has published its community safety plan. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee acts once a year as the Crime and Disorder Scrutiny Panel to oversee community safety work across the district.

Jyotsna Leney, Community Services Manager presented members with Report OS/18/01 and the Community Safety Partnership Plan 2018/19 informing that it was a rolling document that will be updated and revised as data changes.

Partner representatives, who chair the various sub-groups of the Community Safety Partnership were in attendance to provide an update to members of the Committee.

1.         Rebekkah Button, KCC Social Services provided members with an overview of the priorities and activities of the Safeguarding and Wellbeing Subgroup.

A copy of the presentation highlighting the priorities and activities, together with future proposed work is attached to the minutes.

Rebekkah paid particular attention to the activities already undertaken informing members that the Youth Conference was an excellent success which will be repeated, the Domestic Abuse and Dementia Conferences were also well attended and the Mental Health Conference achieved nearly 400 delegates.

She informed that a number of training programmes had taken place since the launch of the subgroup for taxi drivers and schools, all well supported, together with a stall in the town centre all covering a number of issues including adult abuse, child exploitation and domestic abuse.

Members paid particular attention to the following:

·         Dash Cams – agreed that this was an excellent idea for all taxis, to help both the drivers and passengers.

·         One Stop Shop, New Romney – members agreed this was a great addition to the area and was a positive move forward.

·         Community work – it was noted the work being done within the community, particularly with European residents.

·         Crime figures – members were informed that although crime is rising nationally with a spike in July 2017, due to the terrorist attack, more crime is being reported. County is at 27 % with Folkestone & Hythe district being 17-21%, although the figures are alarming this is not a true reflection due to the change in the way the police record crime now.

2.         Giles Barnard, Community Safety Officer, Folkestone & Hythe District Council provided members with an update on the Clean Green and Safe sub-group – Enhancing local communities through joint working.

A copy of the presentation is attached for information.

He informed that weekly meetings are held with partners to discuss various issues as shown in the attached papers with particular attention to sharing of information and helping with solutions.

In respect of “Clean” members were informed that two litter pick up events in Cheriton and Ivychurch had taken place with tremendous support from the Gurkha and local communities.  This is a good sign of community involvement and integration.

In respect of “Green” members were informed that following a number of quotes Mears took the responsibility to replace broken windows and rotten wood, repaint, surface clean and tidy up the vinery which, with the support of volunteers is now fully refurbished.

In respect of “Safe” members heard that officers of the Council, with the support of Kent Police, speak with rough sleepers and the homeless to assess what help and advice can be given to point them in the right direction to enable them to get off the streets.

He informed that an operation with Veolia cleared and cleaned a subway in Middelburg Square Car Park which was reported through on –line complaints via social media. Working together with Veolia and KFRS they were able remove dangerous waste and reopen the fire door that was originally blocked.

It was noted that a calendar of events is in progress and once complete members would be made aware.

Members thanked Giles and his team for all the work he does in the community.

3.         Kent Police provided an update on vulnerability and reoffending informing the Committee that following changes in 2017 allowed the introduction of new roles; youth officer; vulnerable adult PCSO and Domestic Abuse Officer.

Main priorities for the subgroup include:-

·         Preventing offending;

·         Integrated offender management;

·         Gangs;

·         Migration – social injustice;

·         Vulnerable victims;

·         Drugs – particularly drug supply from London;

·         Trafficking and child exploitation.

Working alongside partners, particularly with KCC, the Police have dealt with a number of issues surrounding taxi drivers, vulnerable people and locations, liaising with landlords and working to get truanting students back into school.

Work has also been undertaken with the immigration service to identify and arrest those involved in trafficking and immigration issues.

A number of theft crimes have been committed against the Nepalese community and the Police are working with the MOD and the community to give security advice and strategies to help reduce these thefts.

Further works are in hand to target the vulnerable, working with partners to visit sites, address issues and offer advice and support where necessary.

Alongside this work is continuing in respect of taxi drivers, educating shop owners and staff and youth work.

Members asked a number of questions with particular attention paid to the following:

·         Crime Statistics – as mentioned above crime records are higher, particularly in and around the town centre and harbour areas.

Officers are not aware of an increase in theft in and around the Marsh but encourage those affected to contact the police and register the crime.

·         Staffing –The County has been given 200 additional staff of which10 will be located in the Ashford/Folkestone and Hythe area. This should help with current resourcing issues.

·         Rural crime – the rural task force work with landowners on how best to secure their animals and machinery, working together and sharing information when necessary.

Proposed by Councillor Clive Goddard

Seconded by Councillor Russell Tillson and

Resolved: To receive and note Report OS/18/01 and the CSP Plan circulated with the agenda.

(Voting: For 9; Against 0; Abstentions 0)