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

Members had no interests to declare.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 20^th November 2007.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 20^th November 2008 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Presentation by Community Safety Manager.

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 imposed a duty on the Council to share the personalised data for the purpose of reducing crime and disorder and replace 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.  It was usual for a woman to be assaulted 35 times before the crime is reported.  The Borough Council had three properties within the Borough available to house those made homeless as a result of domestic abuse.

·            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.  The 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.  Specific reference was made to Operation Hawkeye which targeted those motorists who left goods on display in their car.

·             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.

It was pointed out that the Borough Council was a member of the Crime and Reduction Partnership and consequently needed to share data with other agencies. 

With regard to CCTV coverage within the Borough, it was pointed out that the Council’s Business Manager was trying to get more feedback from the Police on the use of CCTV footage in criminal prosecutions and the outcome of those prosecutions.

A number of members of the Forum reported that they were unaware of the agency/person to contact for help with regard to domestic abuse.

It was agreed that a presentation would be given at the next meeting of the Forum by the Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator, Sedgefield/Wear and Tees Community Safety Partnerships to raise awareness of domestic abuse.

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

Sergeant Milne was present at the meeting to give details of crime statistics for the area.

The reported crime figures for November and December 2007 were as follows:

It was noted that total recorded crime was down 15% compared with the same period last year.  It was also noted that vehicle crime had reduced by 30%.

It was noted that Police Officers were now working from the Shildon Police office. 

Concern was expressed regarding speeding traffic on Dale Road, Shildon and the request was made for traffic calming measures to be introduced.  It was agreed that the matter would be reported to Michael Straugheir, Traffic Management, Durham Constabulary.

4^th March 2008 at 6.30 p.m. at Shildon Civic Hall

Tuesday 4^th March 2008 at 6.30 p.m. at Shildon Civic Hall