The Safer Neighbourhood Board met on Tuesday 1st March 2022 to discuss crime statistics, policing strategies, and community safety initiatives. Key decisions included the election of a new Deputy Chair and the agreement to make violence against women and girls a standing item on future agendas.

Safer Neighbourhood Board Data Pack and Supporting Analytical Information

Inspector Jonathan Lloyd presented an overview of crime statistics for Wandsworth, highlighting an increase in non-residential robberies and violence against the person and violence with injury. He noted that while overall robberies were down, and homicides and knife crime had decreased, violent crime in Wandsworth remained the lowest across London per person. The increase in violent crime was attributed to cross-border gang activity, with the Gangs Team working with neighbouring boroughs and increased patrols in hotspots. Additional funding has been secured to boost officer presence around areas like Southside and Roehampton.

Violence against women and girls was a significant focus, with an increase in domestic abuse and a significant rise in rape and sexual offences, which were in line with wider London figures and attributed to the return of nightlife. To address this, a Community Forum initiative is being launched, alongside a 'Walk and Talk' initiative in Roehampton and work with licensed premises. The Board heard that officers are being deployed to hotspots such as Clapham Junction and Tooting Broadway, and are engaging with licensed premises through the 'Ask for Angela' campaign. Schools Officers are delivering presentations on sexual offences, appropriate behaviour, and consent. The Board resolved to make violence against women and girls a standing item on future agendas.

Inspector Lloyd also reported on stop and search figures, noting an increase in Wandsworth and across London to tackle violence, though Wandsworth still had fewer searches than the London average. The majority of stops were on young males, and while Black individuals were stopped most frequently, positive outcomes were similar across ethnicities. A new process has been implemented for sergeants to review body-worn video of searches to improve standards and the nature of police interactions. Councillor Rhodri Morgan questioned the long-term impact of stop and search on crime reduction, and the Board was informed that research was ongoing, with current academic findings suggesting effectiveness when searches are for weapons.

Questions for the Borough Commander

Chief Superintendent Lis Chapple, Borough Commander for Wandsworth Police, discussed national low solved case rates and ongoing work with the Crown Prosecution Service. She mentioned that police resources had been affected by attendance at protests related to Ukraine and that the police were monitoring potential Extinction Rebellion activity in April 2022. Trust and confidence in the police were noted as significant issues, particularly with the anniversary of Sarah Everard's murder.

Regarding the 20mph speed limit, the Board was encouraged to continue making requests to local teams to address problem streets, with assistance provided where resources allowed. Councillor Peter Graham inquired about the status of police stations, specifically Earlsfield police station, and was informed that dialogue was ongoing with a response awaited. The Borough Commander expressed a desire to retain as many stations as possible.

Marlene Price, Deputy Chair, questioned the methodology behind public perception figures, which are collected centrally by MOPAC. She was assured that the methodology was sound and useful for identifying trends. Concerns were also raised about ward boundary changes and their impact on Ward Panels, with the Board hearing that officers would be reorganised to align with new wards and that the police were committed to resourcing panels.

Ward Panel Chair Comments and Updates

Councillor Angela Graham raised the issue of amnesty bins for knife crime, asking if one could be installed at Garrett Lane. Inspector Lloyd stated that discussions on amnesty bin placements were ongoing, with a requirement for locations without CCTV coverage. Currently, only Lavender Hill police station has an amnesty bin, with aspirations for installations in Tooting, Putney, and Battersea.

Jan Forbes highlighted the establishment of a WhatsApp group for Ward Panel Chairs and requested that email addresses be shared to facilitate collaboration. Inspector Lloyd acknowledged logistical challenges but agreed to take the request forward.

SNB Projects/Funding Update

The Board noted that project funding was expected to end in March 2023, but due to delays in funding from MOPAC, it could be carried over into the next financial year. Project leads would be met with quarterly to monitor progress. The Wandsworth Hate Forum had agreed for underspend to be used on personal safety alarms, with a quote for 100 units approved for distribution at community engagement events. Jan Forbes requested figures on event attendance in future reports, and the Head of Stronger and Safer Communities indicated that funding for the current year was anticipated.

Election of Deputy Chair

Resolved: Marlene Price was elected as Deputy Chairman of the Wandsworth Safer Neighbourhood Board.