The Safer Communities Partnership Board meeting on Friday 13 March 2026, chaired by Councillor Sara Conway, focused on a comprehensive review of community safety initiatives and performance across Barnet. Key discussions included updates on crime statistics, the Modern Slavery Strategy, domestic abuse initiatives, and the Barnet Safeguarding Adults Board's draft strategic plan. Decisions were made to note the progress on these fronts and to continue collaborative efforts to enhance community safety.

Community Safety Partnership Performance Update

The meeting received a detailed update on the Community Safety Partnership's performance for Quarter 3 (October-December 2025). Crime data indicated a decrease in burglaries (11% down year-on-year) and a positive 12-month reduction in robbery (20% down). However, shoplifting saw a slight increase in reporting over the year, with a significant rise anticipated due to the implementation of the Met's Aura system, which will streamline crime reporting for retailers.

Concerns were raised about an increase in theft of motor vehicles, with Barnet being one of the few boroughs experiencing a rise, although a recent spike in November is showing signs of reduction. Knife crime with injury showed an 18% decrease year-on-year, and possession of weapons saw a 39% rise, which was attributed to increased proactive stop and search activity by neighbourhood teams, correlating with reductions in knife violence. Drug trafficking and possession also showed increases, largely driven by police proactivity and seizures.

Domestic abuse figures remained relatively stable, with a 5% increase year-on-year, while rape reporting saw a 9% increase, with Barnet noted as having the best prosecution rate in London. Hate crime saw an 11% reduction year-on-year, but reporting figures remain high, with a 27% increase in the last quarter, linked to global events and rallies. Stop and search use has increased, driven by response and neighbourhood teams.

Modern Slavery Strategy Update

Ramisa Yazdani Biouki provided an update on the Modern Slavery Strategy 2024-27, highlighting its focus on prevention, protection, and prosecution. Since the strategy's publication, case studies on partnership working have been developed, and collaboration with Middlesex University has been established. Barnet has also published its Modern Slavery Act Transparency Statement for 2026-27. Future plans include internal staff training, embedding best practice guidance from MHCLG, and continuing to work with partners to reduce modern slavery and support victims.

Ward Walks Update

Kimia, the coordinator for Safer Streets Ward Walks, reported on the positive impact of this initiative, which allows councillors to raise local concerns directly with council officers and police partners. The programme has seen good engagement and has led to tangible outcomes, with plans to continue tracking and following up on actions raised.

Family Services Update: Domestic Abuse and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG)

Karen Popely, Interim Assistant Director of Children's Safeguarding, presented an update on the Domestic Abuse (DA) and VAWG agenda. The DA and VAWG Strategy 2025-29 was launched during the 16 Days of Activism, with high-impact activities including the Step in Barnet campaign, expanded MARAC and Safe and Together training, and strengthened refuge and support services. Progress was noted on perpetrator programmes and multi-agency safeguarding pathways.

Operation Encompass, which aims to improve school identification for domestic abuse notifications, has seen an increase in school sign-ups. The Barnet Group is working towards Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) accreditation, with improvements noted in housing management processes. The Step in Barnet campaign, encouraging men to act as active bystanders, has achieved significant social media engagement and trained over 200 bystanders. The Barnet Victim Care Hub supported 38 victims in Q3, with a particular focus on improving access for male victims. The report also detailed progress on perpetrator programmes like CIFA and DRIVE, and the relaunch of the Adults at Risk Panel.

Barnet Homes Annual Update

Greg Terefenko, Head of Housing Management at Barnet Homes, presented the annual update. The ASB team has managed 148 cases over the year, with successes including four closure orders in Grahame Park, Edgware, Colindale, and Muswell Hill. Barnet Homes achieved a 'C1' grading from the Regulator of Social Housing, the highest possible result, with ASB being specifically highlighted as a strength. Partnership working, including Urban Games and community roadshows, was also noted as successful. Barnet Homes is continuing to work towards Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) accreditation and is encouraging reporting of ASB through various channels, including QR codes.

Barnet Safeguarding Adults Board - Annual Update

Lesley Hutchinson, Independent Chair of the Safeguarding Adults Board, presented the draft Strategic Plan 2026-29, focusing on three themes: Prevention, Assurance, and Engagement. Key areas of crossover with the Safer Communities Partnership Board include modern slavery, exploitation, transitional safeguarding, and domestic abuse. The plan also addresses the use of artificial intelligence in safeguarding and the sharing of learning from various reviews. The Board is particularly interested in disability hate crime and preventing radicalisation.

Combating Drugs Partnership Update

Lucy Kennedy, Public Health Commissioner, provided a six-monthly update on the Combating Drugs Partnership. Barnet has secured a further three years of substance misuse funding, with an increase in allocation. Proposed priorities include enhanced drug-related death surveillance, improved LGBTQ+ and chemsex support, updated synthetic opioid planning, investment in lived-experience organisations, and strengthened public health campaigns. Improvements in Drug Test on Arrest rates have been noted, and work has commenced on pathways for substance misuse in prison leavers. A women's drop-in clinic and a new community rehabilitation programme, Rise and Recover, have been launched.

Comms Update

Candice Chambers, Communications and Campaigns Manager, reported on the focus of promoting the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) renewal. Communications have aimed to raise awareness of the PSPO, which includes new orders on no loitering and pigeon feeding. A video explainer, shorter animation clips for targeted areas, and promotion across corporate channels and digital advertising are being used. The campaign is running for four weeks and will conclude before the pre-election period.

Forward Work Programme

The Board reviewed and noted the forward work programme, with the next meeting scheduled for Friday, 26 June 2026.