To notify the Chairman of any items that appear later in the agenda in which you may have an interest.

No declarations of interest were received.

To consider the minutes of the meeting held on

The Minutes of the meeting held on 14^th November 2007 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

A representative of Sedgefield Police will attend the meeting to give a report on crime statistics and initiatives in the area.

J. Seymour, the Trimdon Beat Officer, was present at the meeting to give details of the crime figures and local initiatives in the area.

It was reported that the crime statistics were as follows :-

It was reported that an arrest had been made in relation to dwelling house burglary in Sedgefield and that there had been no significant problems over the Christmas and New Year period.

Members were given details of how to access information concerning crime statistics for the Borough through the GIS system.

A query was raised regarding problems letting a house in Trimdon Grange as a result of problem neighbours. Members were informed that the issue had been resolved.

To consider a strategic assessment of crime and disorder in the area.  Sean Barry Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership Coordinator will be present at the meeting .

Allan Blakemore, Community Safety Manager, gave a presentation regarding the above.

It was explained that Sedgefield Community Safety Partnership was in the process of setting priorities for 2008/09 and was consulting residents on their local priorities.

It was explained that the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 as amended by the Police and Justice Act 2006 had imposed a duty on the Council to share data for the purpose of reducing crime and disorder and replaced the three year audit and strategy process with an annual strategic assessment. 

The presentation outlined the intelligence driven and national priorities, which were:

·             Domestic Abuse

This was identified as a national priority.  Two women die every week in Great Britain as a result of domestic violence. 

·                          Domestic Burglary 

Domestic burglary was very low in Sedgefield Borough, however residents did have a high degree of fear of being a victim of this particular crime.  Borough average was 8.3 burglaries per 1,000 households in 2006/07 compared to the national average of 13 burglaries per 1000 households.

·             Substance misuse

Substance misuse related to Class A, B and C drugs, alcohol and smoking 

·            Vehicle Crime

Vehicle crime relates to the organised stealing of vehicles for resale after changing identification, taking vehicles without owners’ consent  (better known as “joyriding”), theft from vehicles and vehicle interference.

·             Criminal Damage

Criminal damage was the highest recorded crime across Sedgefield Borough, usually accounting for 40% of total recorded crime. It was linked to night time economy and anti-social behaviour.

·              Anti-Social Behaviour

The usual profile figures were follows:

·             Rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour                 -    73%

·             Nuisance neighbours                              -   10%

·             Vehicle nuisance/Inappropriate use              -             9%

·             Noise                                        -             3%

·             Street drinking                                     -             2%

·             Animal related problems                   -             2%

·             Substance misuse                       -             1% 

Questionnaires were then circulated at the meeting for completion.  It was pointed out that by providing postcodes on the questionnaires, the Community Safety Partnership would be able to map localised priorities, whilst preserving anonymity.   It was noted that the information would be shared with Durham Constabulary to assist in the setting of neighbourhood priorities for action.

The Chairman will take questions from the floor.

A query was raised regarding PCT involvement in Area Forum Meetings. It was suggested that a report or briefing sheet be produced if a representative was not to be present at meetings.

It was agreed that the PCT would be invited to the next meeting to discuss GP Surgeries.

27^th February 2008 at 7.00 p.m.

Next meeting to be held on 27^th February 2008.