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 confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 27^th November 2007

The Minutes of the meeting held on 27^th November, 2007 were confirmed as a correct record.

A representative from the Police Force will be present at the meeting to give an update in relation to crime figures etc.

Sergeant Rogers was present at the meeting to give details of the crime figures for the area.

The figures for November and December, 2007 were as follows :

Reference was made to the request for information to be given on a ward-by-ward basis.  The following information was given :-

It was noted that the total number of incidents had fallen from 753 in September to 545 in December.

Reference was made to incidents in the area of Tescos and the Town Centre Park particularly in relation to anti-social behaviour.  It was explained that PCSOs did patrol the area and that CCTV cameras were operational in the areas.

Concerns were raised regarding the lack of feedback on reported incidents.  The issue had been raised at a meeting of the Police Consultative Group.  It was pointed out, however, that the Area Forums were the vehicle for receiving feedback on incidents and raising issues.

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.

Next meeting is scheduled to be held on 11^th March 2008

Next meeting to be held on 11^th March, 2008.