The Safer Communities Partnership Board met on 22 July 2022 to discuss a range of community safety issues, including crime trends, the Prevent duty, and the new Community Safety Strategy. Key decisions included the approval of the Annual Report for 2021-2022 and the draft Community Safety Strategy for 2022-2027.

Annual Report of the Safer Communities Partnership Board 2021/22

Maggie Higton-Brown, Head of Community Safety, presented the board's first annual report, detailing the work undertaken between April 2021 and March 2022. The report was approved as an accurate record of the year's outcomes and work programme, and it was recommended for approval by the Community Leadership and Libraries Committee. Councillor Sara Conway, Chair of the Safer Communities Partnership Board, highlighted the need for greater publicity of initiatives like Ask for Angela and Safe Spaces to ensure the public is aware of measures designed to enhance community safety. Declan Khan noted that as part of licensing conditions for alcohol-serving establishments, staff training on initiatives like Ask for Angela will be mandatory.

Community Safety Team Performance Dashboard up to May 2022

Matt Leng, Community Safety Manager, presented the performance dashboard, highlighting an increase in residential burglaries. He noted that the police's tactical coordination group is focusing on this rise. Robbery was identified as a priority for both the Metropolitan Police and the local strategic partnership, with Operation Peloton underway to increase patrols in high-footfall areas and enhance forensic opportunities. Tamara Djuretic, Director of Public Health, inquired about more granular data on robbery locations and offender profiles, which Chief Inspector Sean Lynch confirmed is available by ward. The Chair acknowledged the thorough processes in place for festivals and the positive partnership working between the council and local communities. Tina McElligott, Director of Children's Social Care, raised a point about the proportion of adult offenders, noting that Family Services had not been notified of many Serious Incident Response Meetings. Fiona Bateman commented on the importance of data from a Safeguarding Adult perspective, specifically regarding victims or perpetrators with disabilities or who are elderly, and requested this information be reported to the board.

North West BCU Police Update

Chief Inspector Sean Lynch provided an update on crime trends across London, noting an increase in crime that is also reflected in Barnet. He highlighted a continued focus on violence, violence against women and girls, robbery, and violent hotspots. The implications of the Metropolitan Police being in special measures were discussed, with acknowledgement of the impact on the workforce and the uncertainty regarding local implications until the new commissioner is in post. Fiona Bateman offered assistance from the Safeguarding Board and Inclusion Barnet to help the police rebuild trust and confidence with communities. Inspector Justin Zitver provided an update on the Ask for Angela campaign, noting its rollout in 2017 and ongoing efforts to train staff in licensed premises. He also reported on the Street Safe data, with 87 reports received this year, and the continuation of Positive Activity Initiatives aimed at building trust and confidence. Updates were also given on robbery and burglary detection rates, with Barnet having the highest detection rate for robbery in the Met. Catalytic converter theft remains a community concern, though a reduction has been noted in recent months. The Chair requested better communication regarding arrests and initiatives to help residents feel safer.

Family Services Q1 2022/23 Report

Tina McElligott presented the Q1 2022/23 report, focusing on the Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Action Plan and the Violence and Vulnerability Action Plan. Key initiatives include multi-agency training on domestic abuse, the development of a three-year action plan for the White Ribbon Steering Group, and work with Barnet & Southgate College to improve support systems. Funding has been secured for Reducing Parental Conflict and the CODA (Children Overcoming Domestic Abuse) program. A victim coordinator role has been appointed to develop a victim hub. The report also detailed progress on the Violence and Vulnerability Action Plan, with five of its seven strands noted as good practice by MOPAC. Fiona Bateman highlighted the Safeguarding Adult Board's monthly lunch and learns and encouraged wider attendance.

London Fire Brigade Annual Update

Paul Rich provided an update in the absence of Peter Curtin, Borough Commander. He noted expected increases in incidents across London, largely attributed to automatic fire alarms caused by human factors and system faults. Fatal fires were up, with three incidents over a six-month period, all of which have been submitted for safeguarding adult review. Future challenges include identifying vulnerable people, high-rise buildings, and staffing levels, which are impacting appliance availability. Fiona Bateman discussed a task and finish group being set up following three fatal fires, emphasizing the need for wider partner involvement. The Chair noted the importance of messaging around fire prevention, especially concerning extreme heat and energy efficiency in homes during winter. Tamara Djuretic, Director of Public Health, inquired about local and London-level plans to prevent further fires, particularly in light of climate change. Matt Leng suggested community payback and volunteering hours could assist in maintaining vulnerable spaces.

Update on the Partnership's Approach to Tackle Anti-Social Behaviour in Barnet

Matt Leng presented an update on the partnership's approach to tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB). He highlighted the categorization of ASB into personal, nuisance, and environmental, and noted the significant decrease in ASB calls to the police over the past year, although repeat caller data showed an increase. The report detailed the use of tools and powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, with a high use of Community Protection Notice Written Warnings. The Community Trigger application rate remains low, with cases often addressed through the Community Safety MARAC process. The report also covered Public Spaces Protection Orders, noting that none are currently live in Barnet, but a borough-wide PSPO is being consulted on. The use of the ECINS case management system and the functioning of the Community Safety Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (CS MARAC) were also discussed. The Chair requested the report be circulated to all councillors and discussed the possibility of online training for councillors on ASB tools and powers.

Prevent Duty Performance Report

Perryn Jasper, Prevent Education Officer, presented the report, emphasizing that Prevent is a safeguarding process to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation. He highlighted that the highest threat in Barnet comes from Islamic-inspired ideology, accounting for 60% of referrals, which is higher than the UK average. There were four arrests under the Counter-Terrorism Act in Barnet last year. The Channel process, an early intervention multi-agency process, supported seven individuals last year. Training has been delivered to over 1200 professionals and 3000 pupils. The independent review of Prevent by William Shawcross was mentioned, which may lead to significant changes in how Prevent is delivered. The Chair noted resources from Hope not Hate and requested a repeat session for councillors on Prevent.

Community Safety Strategy 2022-2027

Maggie Higton Brown presented the draft Community Safety Strategy for 2022-2027. The strategy's five priorities include tackling and reducing anti-social behaviour, early intervention and prevention of domestic abuse and VAWG, reducing offending, safeguarding those vulnerable to radicalisation, and ensuring access to justice for hate crime victims. Tamara Djuretic suggested integrating substance misuse into all five priorities, aligning with the Harm to Hope strategy. The Board approved and agreed to the implementation of the draft strategy, noting it would be presented to the Community Leadership and Libraries Committee in October.

Forward Work Programme

Fiona Bateman offered to present findings from a workshop on financial abuse linked to domestic abuse and a summary of the Safeguarding Board's annual report. She also indicated a potential review into the murder of a rough sleeper, which may yield lessons for the partnership. Tamara Djuretic requested the combatting drug partnership and substance misuse needs assessment be added to future agendas. The Chair flagged that the next meeting date falls during half term and invited feedback on potential rescheduling.

The meeting concluded with thanks to all participants for their contributions.