The Safer Neighbourhood Board met on Monday 13th April 2026 to discuss crime trends, police resourcing, and the future of the board itself. Key discussions included a review of crime statistics, concerns about police officer attendance at ward meetings, and the impact of potential funding changes from the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC).

Police Briefing and Crime Trends

Chief Inspector Rob Gibbs presented an overview of crime statistics, highlighting a general decrease in overall crime compared to the previous year. November saw a reduction of 500 cases compared to the year before, a trend that continued into December. Neighbourhood crime, including vehicle theft and shoplifting, was down by 25%. However, there was a slight increase of between 1-5% in robberies. Chief Inspector Gibbs noted that prolific offenders are being targeted, with links identified between drugs, theft, and organised crime. CID is supporting investigations into robberies involving mobile gangs and transport routes.

A heatmap of notifiable crime across the borough indicated the highest reported areas were in Upper Edmonton, Ponders End, and Enfield Town. Retail crime was identified as the leading cause in areas like Southgate and Palmers Green. Crimes within the Edmonton Green and Upper Edmonton wards accounted for approximately a quarter of all borough crime. Chief Inspector Gibbs stressed the importance of community reporting, as crime figures only reflect recorded incidents. Data also showed reductions in burglary and vehicle-related crimes, partly attributed to targeted work through the 'Pisces' initiative, which has led to over a thousand arrests and numerous drug-related operations.

Ward Team Updates and Police Resourcing

Concerns were raised regarding the stability and attendance of Ward SNTs (Safer Neighbourhood Teams). Tom Mautner JP, Ward Chair for Arnos, reported that despite being allocated four sergeants in the last twelve months, none had attended ward meetings. Chief Inspector Rob Gibbs committed to addressing this issue and arranging attendance at the next meeting.

The Board was informed of the appointment of Anna McCartney as the new Chief Superintendent and Detective Superintendent Marco Bardetti as the new Neighbourhood Superintendent. A new structure for policing teams, involving the clustering of wards under four inspectors, was set to begin on January 25th, 2026, aimed at fostering more cohesive teamwork and consistent supervision. Discussions also covered ongoing internal plans to align sergeants across these clusters.

Recruitment challenges were acknowledged, with 9 Police Constable (PC) vacancies and 15 Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) vacancies. New recruits are expected from April, with a requirement for them to be in uniform for their first year. The Board was reminded of the expectation that Sergeants should attend every Ward Panel meeting, with an Inspector attending or providing cover if a Sergeant is unavailable. An inconsistency in this across the borough was recognised.

Specific ward updates highlighted issues such as the loss of a PC in Cockfosters and a lack of police officer attendance at meetings in Southgate, with one member stating they had not seen a sergeant in two years. Chief Inspector Rob Gibbs was asked to ensure greater commitment from sergeants. In contrast, ward meetings in Brimsdown are planned a year in advance, and officers almost always attend.

MOPAC Funding and Future of the Board

The Chair informed the Board that the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) is reviewing its funding, with a possibility that only the administration grant for hosting and minuting meetings will be provided. This has led to uncertainty about the future of the Board, although it was stated that operations would continue as normal until further advice is received. Members noted that the Enfield SNB is considered well-run compared to other boroughs, but the MOPAC review is borough-wide. Positives highlighted for the Board included the creation of a website, a quick guide for new Chairs, Terms of Reference, a WhatsApp group for Chairs, and the provision of feedback forms to the Police.

Other Business

A proposition was made to the Head of Community Safety, Jonathan Toy, for the Drugs & Alcohol Team to deliver a presentation to the Board. Mr. Toy confirmed their willingness to do so and suggested other themes the Board might be interested in. The possibility of making meetings hybrid to increase attendance from Ward Chairs was also discussed, with Councillor Chris Dey agreeing to raise this suggestion with Enfield Council. Stephen Elston from Oakwood raised the issue of squatters, and it was agreed that he would contact Jonathan Toy, who would then raise the matter with the Rough Sleepers Team.

The date of the next meeting was noted as Monday, 13th April 2026.