The Safer Neighbourhood Board met on Monday 13 April 2026 to discuss MOPAC funding, receive a police briefing, and hear ward updates. Decisions were made regarding the application process for MOPAC funding and actions were agreed to address issues raised in ward updates.

MOPAC Funding

The Board discussed the application process for the new round of MOPAC funding, which opened on 30th March 2026 and closes on 30th May 2026. Ward Chairs were encouraged to share this information with their respective wards to maximise applications for community projects and charities. There was a general agreement that, despite potential delays in fund distribution, applying for MOPAC funding remains beneficial for community initiatives. The importance of evaluating previously funded projects was also highlighted. Discussions also took place regarding potentially lowering the maximum bid amount to between £3,000 and £4,000 to ensure a more equitable distribution of the approximately £17,000 in total funding available.

Police Briefing

Detective Superintendent Marco Bardetti provided an update on current policing activities, crime trends, and operational plans. Preparations for the upcoming elections on 7th May 2026 were outlined, including security arrangements. The briefing also covered broader London-wide issues, such as the recent attack on a Hatzolah ambulance base, and the implementation of a large-scale operation to provide reassurance and manage hate crime incidents. Locally, reductions in town centre crimes including shoplifting, robberies, and car-related offences were reported, alongside positive information on response times and detection rates. Operational updates included the transition back to borough-based policing, with ongoing assessments of crime levels and resource deployment. Strategies for dealing with hotspots and cross-border issues, such as covert surveillance and facial recognition, were also discussed.

Ward Updates

Several ward updates were provided, highlighting specific local concerns. In Ponders End, a persistent issue of drug dealing under the flats at College Court was reported, with Inspector Richard Lee agreeing to speak with relevant officers. Edmonton Green ward received praise for the officers' handling of a case involving AI and for increasing patrols over the Easter break. In Southgate, it was reported that Albanian mafia members were present in the ward and that officers had not been briefed prior to attending a meeting. For Bush Hill Park, concerns were raised about the absence of a sergeant at the last ward meeting and the repeated failure to provide crime statistics. Inspector Richard Lee was tasked with addressing these issues with the relevant officers.

Matters Arising and Action Points

During the discussion of matters arising from the previous meeting, it was noted that the Sergeant for Highfield Ward had still not made contact since the last meeting. Additionally, the Ward Chair for Highfield was still listed on the agenda despite previously being raised as continuously failing to attend meetings. Inspector Richard Lee agreed to speak to the Sergeant for Highfield Ward.

Chair's Update

Dionne John, Vice-Chair, reported on attending an LCB2 meeting with other borough Safer Neighbourhood Boards (SNBs) to discuss standardising roles and responsibilities and sharing best practices. Glenn Breslin, Chair, provided an update on the uncertainty surrounding the future of the SNB due to an ongoing assessment by the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), but confirmed that the Board had received funding for another year.

Any Other Business

Janet Marshall of Upper Edmonton reminded the Board that due to the upcoming elections, Councillors are not permitted to be Ward Chairs. Dionne John appealed to Ward Chairs to complete information relating to their wards for the website and announced that a feedback form would be sent out for issues and concerns to be taken to senior police management. Dionne also suggested inviting external speakers and reviewing past projects from the last two years, as the Board holds grant agreements with these projects.

Dates of Future Meetings

The dates of future meetings were noted and will be confirmed following the Annual Council meeting on Wednesday 27th May 2026.