The Safer Neighbourhood Board meeting scheduled for 16 January 2020 was set to cover a range of crime and community safety topics. Key discussions were expected to include an update on knife crime projects, a review of the Safer Neighbourhood Board's data pack, and a discussion on the board's membership.

Safer Neighbourhood Board Data Pack and Analytical Information

A significant portion of the meeting was scheduled to be dedicated to a discussion of the Safer Neighbourhood Board's data pack, provided by the Metropolitan Police Service's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). This pack was intended to present analytical information regarding crime trends and performance within the borough. The report pack indicated that this discussion would cover key crime statistics, including reductions in total crime, personal robbery, and residential burglary, noting that Wandsworth had the lowest crime rate in inner London. It also highlighted reductions in reported domestic violence and stable levels of reported hate crime. The data pack also indicated ongoing reductions in arrests, convictions, and prison days for individuals in the Integrated Offender Management (IOM) cohort. However, the pack also pointed to increases in anti-social behaviour over three and twelve-month periods, though it suggested a stable level over the longer term. Regarding knife crime, the data pack indicated reductions over three and twelve months, influenced by a decline in knife robbery.

The report pack also detailed performance dashboard summaries, noting an 8.5% increase in anti-social behaviour, with specific concerns raised about the Graveney area. It was noted that work was being done to address this, with officers focusing on specific times such as evenings and school closing times. The pack also detailed a reduction in Wandsworth's knife crime, with an 18% reduction in knife robbery over 12 months and a 2% increase in stabilised knife violence or threats. The report pack highlighted a link between drug offences and knife crime, and identified North-east Battersea as a hotspot area. It also mentioned partnership working, including a joint knife crime plan and work with the Violence Reduction Unit.

Further points scheduled for discussion from the data pack included public perceptions of the police, with the report pack indicating that performance was better than the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) as a whole. It also noted a reduction in victim satisfaction, with explanations suggesting a change in how some crimes were investigated and a greater concentration on serious and complex crimes. The report pack also detailed an increase in the use of stop and search across the borough, with a corresponding increase in the proportion of searches yielding positive outcomes. The most significant age group targeted by stop and search was noted as 15 to 19 year olds.

Questions for the Borough Commander

The meeting was scheduled to include a session for questions to the Borough Commander. Based on the report pack, anticipated questions and concerns from the public and board members were expected to cover a range of issues. These included concerns over an increase in anti-social behaviour in the Putney area, particularly after midnight, and the potential impact of a new rooftop bar. There was also an expectation of questions regarding the Prime Minister's announcement of additional police officers, seeking confirmation on the number allocated to Wandsworth and the status of recruitment. The report pack indicated that discussions would also address concerns raised by Neighbourhood Watch coordinators regarding the amount of information available to them, a reduction in coordinators, and difficulties in contacting them due to data protection. Further questions were anticipated regarding ward officer support in East Putney, the allocation of officers to Wandsworth, and improvements to the 101 phone number service. A specific concern was also expected regarding a rise in thefts of catalytic converters.

Knife Crime Update on Projects

An update was scheduled to be provided on projects related to knife crime. The report pack indicated that there had been a bid approved through the Violence Reduction Unit for initiatives to address the causes of knife crime and violent crime. It was noted that the Community Safety Team's partnership work was being considered for use across London as best practice.

Safer Neighbourhood Board Membership and OWL Introduction

The meeting was scheduled to include a verbal update on new board members for the Safer Neighbourhood Board, to be provided by Mr Daryl Edmunds, Neighbourhoods and Criminal Justice Manager. Additionally, an introduction to OWL (Online Watch Link) was planned, to be presented by Ms Angelika Nielsen. The report pack indicated that OWL is an online watch system similar to Neighbourhood Watch, where information is received from a coordinator.

DISC and Business Crime

A presentation was scheduled on business crime, to be delivered by Mr Roger Lyddon, Community Safety Officer. The report pack highlighted that business crime represented 17% of all crime, with significant financial losses nationally. It detailed the introduction of a pilot scheme, Wandsworth Business Against Crime (WBAC), for recording, reporting, and investigating shoplifting, which was planned to be extended across the borough. The aims of this scheme included reducing property loss, increasing public confidence in the police, reassuring victims, identifying and disrupting persistent offenders, and increasing public awareness. The report pack also mentioned a website with offender photos and an app for businesses to report incidents and receive alerts.

Stop/Search and Independent Custody Visiting Findings Updates

Updates were scheduled on stop and search and independent custody visiting findings. Ms Charlotte Ware, Chair of the Independent Custody Visitors, was expected to provide an overview of her role, which involves undertaking independent visits to custody suites to ensure the rights of those in custody are upheld. The report pack noted positive comments on the quality of Wandsworth's custody suite and the progress of having 24-hour nurse healthcare provision. Regarding stop and search, Mr Edmunds was expected to be identifying an independent lead to provide an update on findings, as holding the police to account on this matter was a role of the board.

Finance Update Including Supported Projects

Mr Daryl Edmunds was scheduled to provide an update on funding proposals submitted to MOPAC that had been approved. These included a peace event organised by STORM, a youth engagement project on the Patmore Estate organised by FAST, and funding for OWL and DISC. The report pack indicated that a small projects fund had been created for crime reduction activities in other areas, and some of this funding covered the work of the Community Engagement Officer on the Doddington Estate.

Future Safer Neighbourhood Board Arrangements

Mr Edmunds was also scheduled to report on future arrangements for the Safer Neighbourhood Board. The report pack indicated that the Community Safety Team was seeking volunteers for administrative support for the board, as this work was currently being undertaken by the team itself. The next meeting was planned to discuss the administrative functions of the board.

Other Business

Under Any Other Business, discussions were anticipated regarding the use of OWL, with Mr Edmunds expected to explain its difference from the DISC system and its role as an online watch system. There was also a planned discussion on SN Ward Panels, with a member of the public expected to question progress on reinvigorating these panels. Additionally, a member of the public was expected to refer to the success of a WhatsApp group set up for Neighbourhood Watch, which included Ward Officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), and suggest similar groups for other Neighbourhood Watches.