The Safer Communities Partnership Board met on Friday 26 June 2026 to discuss a comprehensive update on community safety performance across the borough. Key discussions included a detailed police update on crime trends, reports from Family Services on domestic abuse and youth justice, and an overview of the London Fire Brigade's activities. Decisions made included noting the annual reports from various departments and agreeing to continue work on tackling anti-social behaviour and improving community safety.

Police Update Highlights Declines in Burglary and Vehicle Crime, but Notes Rise in Robbery

Acting Chief Inspector Tom Hinson of the Metropolitan Police provided a detailed update on crime statistics for the London Borough of Barnet. While domestic burglaries saw a decrease of 10.8% in the financial year, and business and community burglaries fell by 22.6%, robbery unfortunately increased by 9.4%. Shoplifting also saw an increase in reporting, which was viewed positively as an indicator of increased retailer confidence, with a significant rise in detection rates. Violence without injury increased by 11.7%, while violence with injury saw a slight decrease of 0.9%.

The police are actively targeting offenders and utilising tools such as Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) to manage this cohort. The introduction of the Aura IT platform is expected to improve the logging and tracking of shoplifting incidents.

Concerns were raised about the rise in robberies of schoolchildren, often perpetrated by young people. In response, the police are working with schools on prevention packages and targeting offenders, including those from outside the borough.

Possession of weapons saw a significant increase of 36.4%, which the police attribute to more proactive stop and search activity. Drug trafficking also increased by 59.1%, largely due to successful police operations intercepting online orders. Street dealing remains an issue in areas like Burnt Oak and Colindale, with warrants leading to arrests and the recovery of drugs and ammunition. The use of children in drug dealing is a particular concern, prompting close work with children's services.

Domestic abuse reporting increased by 6.4%, with a notable 50% rise in detection rates. Rape and other sexual offences also saw a slight increase, with detection rates improving. Hate crime saw a significant rise of 20% year-on-year, with racially based incidents forming the majority, followed by faith-based hate crimes, with antisemitism being the largest sub-category. The Metropolitan Police announced the formation of a new community protection team, with 100 officers to be deployed in areas with significant Jewish communities.

Stop and search figures have increased, which the police view positively as an indicator of proactive policing, with a positive outcome rate of 38%, higher than the national average.

Community Safety Team Tackles Environmental Crime and ASB

Matt Leng, Community Safety Manager, presented an update on the Community Safety Team's work, highlighting a consistent volume of cases, with a slight drop attributed to team members being diverted to reassurance patrols. The team comprises 12 investigation enforcement officers and two dedicated ASB officers.

Two premises closure orders were successfully obtained by the Trading Standards team, a first for the council using this route for unauthorised sales of goods. Community protection written warnings were issued, with a high compliance rate, demonstrating the effectiveness of a staged approach to education and warning.

Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for offences such as duty of care and fly-posting remain a focus. Fly-tipping is a key priority, with specific attention given to Section 33.1 (outright fly-tipping) and Section 34.2 (residential/domestic duty of care fly-tipping) offences. The payment rate for FPNs has consistently increased year on year, reducing the need for costly legal action.

The Community Safety MARAC (previously Community Trigger) has moved to a monthly meeting to expedite case progression. There were 6 ASB case reviews received, none of which were upheld.

CCTV recorded over 2,000 incidents in quarter four, primarily related to anti-social behaviour, begging, rough sleeping, fly-tipping, obstruction, and street drinking. Redeployable cameras are used for targeted interventions, and demand is highest in the evenings. Most incidents are proactively identified by operators, aiding early intervention.

Prevent and Hate Crime Efforts Highlighted

Perryn Jasper, Prevent and Hate Crime Co-ordinator, reported a significant increase in Prevent enquiries, up 60% from the previous quarter. There was also a notable rise in referrals for individuals over 18, often linked to poor mental health and world conflicts. Barnet's Prevent Service was commended for its strong performance, particularly given it is unfunded by the council. A new community protection team of 100 officers is being deployed in areas with significant Jewish communities to address rising hate crime, which saw a 20% year-on-year increase. Racially based hate crimes are the most common, with antisemitism being the largest sub-category.

London Fire Brigade Addresses Community Safety and Resilience

The London Fire Brigade provided a verbal update, highlighting a busy period with a majority of work generated by anti-Semitic incidents. Fire is increasingly being used as a weapon, with properties being targeted. The brigade is establishing fire stations as community hubs and is refreshing its Borough Risk Management Plan to include tackling anti-Semitic incidents. The Safer Havens project will launch in August, providing drop-in centres for vulnerable individuals. They are also developing video messages on park and water safety. Safeguarding issues are stable from the LFB perspective.

Family Services Reports Detail Progress in VAWG, Youth Justice, and Serious Violence Reduction

Karen Popely, Interim Assistant Director of Children's Safeguarding, presented annual reports on Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), Youth Justice, and Serious Violence.

The DA & VAWG strategy saw significant progress, including the establishment of the Barnet Domestic Abuse Support Hub (BDASH) and DAHA accreditation for Barnet Homes. Referrals to services like IRIS and Jewish Women's Aid increased, indicating growing demand and confidence in reporting. However, declining perpetrator programme completion rates are a concern.

The Youth Justice Service reported strong performance, with a sustained zero custody rate and reduced reoffending. Key achievements include effective prevention and diversion programmes and a strong child-centred approach, though challenges remain with increasing complexity of need and disproportionality affecting Black and racially minoritised children.

The Serious Violence Duty update showed a slight reduction in serious youth violence incidents, with a focus on targeted outreach and support for vulnerable individuals. The Secure My Stuff project concluded, having raised awareness of theft prevention.

Barnet Homes Focuses on ASB Reduction and Tenant Safety

Greg Terenfenko, Head of Housing Management, reported on Barnet Homes' work, including 556 ASB reports and 143 cases managed by the ASB team. Barnet Homes achieved a 'C1' grading from the Regulator of Social Housing and Bronze and Silver awards from DAHA accreditation. The team is focusing on early identification of ASB through community roadshows and data management.

Communications Update Highlights Campaign Successes

John Schroeder, Deputy Head of Communications, presented an update on communication efforts, including extensive work around emergency incidents, the renewal of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), and the 'Step In' campaign tackling harassment. The 'Connecting Communities Campaign' received commendation at the MJ Awards.

The meeting concluded with a note of the Forward Work Programme and thanks to all involved.