Sergeant Nathan Cox in attendance to answer questions about crime and disorder in the Sevenoaks District.

The Chairman welcomed Chief Inspector Jon Kirby, Sevenoaks District Commander of Kent Police to the meeting, who gave an overview of the levels of crime within the District.

Chief Inspector Kirby gave an overview of the statistics of reported crime for the year April 2019-December 2019.  In Sevenoaks the number of vehicle thefts had increased, in particular in relation to catalytic converters which had seen a rise of 21.7%, with 75 incidents being reported. This increase was seen at national and local levels due to the value of the metal, however good progress was being made locally and arrests had been made.

It was reported that there was a 75% increase of shoplifting being reported which was 205 incidents. There was usually a rise in shoplifting cases around Christmas. Chief Inspector Kirby reported that there had been a reduction in residential burglaries and compared to last year the figure was down by 14.7% which was a reduction of 84 cases. Other positives included that rapes cases and violence against the person had also seen a reduction.

Members were encouraged to report crime as the figures were recorded and this helped resources to be designated appropriately and for transparency.

It was reported that funding levels were increasing and this would result in an additional 139 staff being recruited, including PCSOs, Police Officers, Community Liaison Officers, cyber specialists and forensic officers. 

The Chief Inspector advised that the number of calls received to the 101 non-emergency number in 2019 had decreased. In general the calls were being answered better and the number of abandoned calls was reducing. In response to a question, Members were advised that if a 999 call was abandoned, investigations were carried out and the number would be called back if it was safe to do so. There were also successes with the live chat service and frequently asked questions.  

Concerns regarding knife crime were raised, particularly with the District being so close to London. Chief Inspector Kirby responded to concerns advising that the Police nationally were taking a proactive approach to knife crime, working closely with cross-border forces including the British Transport Police. Work also with schools was being undertaken to ensure safety of pupils and staff.

In response to questions the Committee was advised that the strategy going forwards was to be more visible within communities. This included an increase in PCSOs, polished neighbourhood policing, attendance at coffee mornings and working with parish councils.

It was queried whether CCTV contributed to solving crime. Members were advised that the use of CCTV was very useful as it could be the difference between someone walking away or being charged as the footage was able to show someone’s whereabouts and the times, especially with quality of digital images improving over the years incidents were more easily identifiable.

In response to further questions, Members were informed that regular visits took place at nail salons, car washes and similar business to ensure that there were no modern slavery issues. This was a proactive approach but there was reliance on the public to be the eyes and ears and report any concerns.

Chief Inspector Kirby agreed to send more details regarding the use of CCTV and also modern slavery to the Committee.

The Chairman thanked Chief Inspector Kirby for his attendance.