Agenda item - Community Safety & Crime in Brighton & Hove

Report of Executive Director, Neighbourhoods, Communities & Housing (copy attached)

9.1       The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Neighbourhoods, Communities and Housing providing an update in respect of community safety and crime in Brighton and Hove.

9.2       It was noted that under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, there was a requirement for statutory and other partners to formulate and plan every three years to tackle crime and disorder and monitor progress. This report provided an update on the work which had been undertaken by the Community Safety Partnership (formerly known as Safe in the City Partnership in relation to the Community Safety and Crime Reduction Strategy.

9.3       Councillor West referred the fact that incidents in relation to domestic violence crimes and particularly sexual offences continued to rise. Given that demand for support to address these issues continued and was increasing and the issues that he had referred to earlier in relation to RISE, this was an area for significant concern, particularly as the level of resourcing available appeared to be diminishing. Chief Superintendent Bell stated that the police were aware of this and were seeking to target resources to address this. The police were not complacent but it was important to stress that the conviction rate for cases finalised at court (77%) remained relatively high although the solved rate for sexual offences in 2017/18 was marginally lower than for 2016/17 and poorer than for previous years. It should also be noted that there had been increased reporting in relation to stalking crimes and incidents.

9.4       Councillor West was pleased to note that robust structures were in place and that agencies were working very hard to encourage reportage of such crimes.

9.5       Anusree Biswas Sasidharan, MBE Police Engagement Group, stated that where figures for reported crime appeared to be low it was important to seek to ensure that there was no hidden crime and that those who were vulnerable were not coerced either into crime itself or deterred from reporting it due to fear of reprisals. It was explained that intelligence gathering took place and feedback from that was used to address issues which emerged.

9.6       Councillor Nemeth referred to the work undertaken in his own ward in concert with his fellow ward councillor, Councillor Peltzer Dunn, the police and with local media to highlight the means of reporting crime which were available to the public. It was important for the public to know how issues could be reported via the web/social media for instance.

9.7       Councillor Marsh stated that as the lead on Community Safety she had met with the Police and had early discussions around strategies which were appropriate and fit for purpose. Chief Inspector Bell, reiterated that whilst on–going discussions and monitoring fed into the police’ structures and processes and would continue to do so it was important to note that overall Sussex remained a safe place to live and work.

9.8       Councillor Daniel, the Chair, referred to the rise of far right extremism enquiring regarding figures for that. The Head of Safer Communities, Jo Payer, explained that she would provide details to members separately.

9.9       Councillor Morgan referred to the “Prevent” initiative noting that it was anticipated that an updated strategy would be released soon, hoping that it would address this continuing problem.

9.10    Councillor A Norman referred to the apparent increase in stalking incidents, domestic and sexual violence. Whilst it was understood that in part increases in the number of this type of crime was due to more accurate recording and that this had resulted in better services and outcomes for victims. It was nonetheless a matter for concern.

9.11    Councillor Peltzer Dunn considered that the report was valuable in that it highlighted problem areas which had been identified and the solutions which were being put into place to address them. He asked whether feedback/input was received which indicated that the public were aware of these initiatives and considered that they were re-assured as a result. It was explained that this information was cascaded forward by a number of means including via LAT’s. Councillor Marsh stated that in her capacity as the Council’s Community Safety Champion she was aware of  the initiatives being undertaken.

9.12    RESOLVED – (1) that the information contained in the report providing an update on the work being undertaken by the Community Safety Team in relation to Community Safety and the Crime Reduction Strategy for 2017-20 be noted; and

            (2) The Committee gives its support to the partnership work described in the report and the commitment to the work described within the council’s remit, thereby contributing to the management of crime and community safety priorities for the city.