Agenda item

West Kent Police

Chief Inspector Tony Dyer, Sevenoaks District Commander of Kent Police in attendance to answer questions about crime and disorder in the Sevenoaks District.

Minutes:

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

 

Chief Inspector Dyer explained that Sevenoaks District has the first or second lowest recordings for most if not all crime categories in the County. The Sevenoaks District had seen a reduction in Anti-Social Behaviour and had the slowest increase in recorded crime in the County.

 

The Chief Inspector advised that there had been a ten-year reduction in crime nationally and crime statistics were now expected to level out. In Kent County victim based crime had seen a 20% increase, domestic abuse a 39% increase and residential burglary a 23% increase. Victim based crime in Sevenoaks had seen a 32% rise with 17,700 more incidents reported than the previous year. Nonetheless, Sevenoaks District was reported to have the lowest level of violent crime, sexual offences and theft in the County alongside high prosecution rate. The Chief Inspector praised the work of the Community Safety Unit, the Fire brigade and the Police in local high profile cases including Antisocial Behaviour at the Convent of Mercy site in Swanley.

 

Members were reassured that the perceived increases crime were a result of the Crime Data Integrity Inspection, affecting the way crime was reported and recorded. The roll out of Crime Data Integrity Inspections also made comparisons with other Councils outside of Kent difficult, however the Police would commence comparisons in 2019.

 

Chief Inspector Dyer responded to questions on the current strategy around visible policing which was influenced by limited resources and focused on the most vulnerable; victims of domestic violence, rape and sex related cybercrimes. Visible policing was largely carried out by Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) due to limited funds. In answer to a Member’s question, Chief Inspector Dyer answered that, if there were an increase in funding, he thought the priority would return to a more proactive approach and an increase in community policing.

 

The Committee were advised that the non-urgent 101 service had improved, with average waiting times down to seven minutes. Members highlighted difficulties with reporting crimes online, despite this being recognised as the most efficient method of reporting, it was noted that difficulties may discourage people from reporting crimes. Cross county lines crime was discussed however Members were assured that this was not a significant issue in Sevenoaks. It was also noted that the Sevenoaks District was not facing human trafficking and forced labour crimes. PCSOs were holding surgeries and residents could enquire at Parish Council Offices or to the PSCO team directly for information on surgery times and locations.

 

In relation to questions around shed burglaries the Chief Inspector advised that the Police regularly consulted the up-to-date list of burglaries and aimed to send an Officer to the affected properties, follow up with a phone call and where appropriate, provide shed alarms.

 

Members discussed if funding from Section 106 or the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) could be used to fund additions to the PCSO team.

 

Action 2:  Chief Officer Communities and Business to investigate if Section 106 or CIL grants could be used to fund expanding the PCSOs team.

 

The Chairman thanked Chief Inspector Dyer for his attendance.

 

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