What follows is an edited summary of the Safer Neighbourhood Panel meeting in May. The Safer Neighbourhood Team will be at the local assembly on June 25 to answer questions and give an update.
Cllr Liz Johnston-Franklin lead a discussion about anti social behaviour problems in Elswick Road including round-the-clock comings and goings from a particular address. Fly tipping and general disrespectful behaviour were adding to the problems. PC Dobson assured the meeting he was aware of the issues and Chairman Nico Springman reported that the same troubles had been going on for many years and a long term plan is now a priority. A commitment was made to tackle the situation as soon as possible.
Police Ward Crime Reports
Burglaries: Have declined over the past three months.
Theft from vehicles: These had declined over the past three months. There has been a spate of catalytic converter thefts. Two men in high viz jackets have benn jacking up the cars and stealing the converters, all in the space of a few minutes.
Theft of Vehicles: These had also declined over the past three months.
Robbery: These remain low in Ladywell.
Anti social behaviour: Is a constant concern throughout the ward. The police response is to alter patrol times to try and catch loiterers and nuisances.
Community Issues: Selvin Reid from Lewisham Council described his work covers a wide range of activities centred around community safety. He wants to try and increase the amount of neighbourhood watches in the area as the police now are so overstretched. He outlined the information that he can give both to potential NW groups and to schools, churches and community groups. This involves protecting property and also being aware of scams.
Scams and frauds are fast becoming the biggest cause of theft and we need to be kept up to date on the latest scams. He informed us that if you put up a no cold-calling notice anyone who then chooses to cold call you is breaking the law and can be fined! This came as welcome news to most of us.
Mr Springman suggested it might be an idea to try and convene another Scams meeting. Ladywell-Live plans to produce a fuller report on this problem.
Review of Policing Priorities
It was decided to maintaining existing priorities which are Burglary, Theft, Robbery and Vehicle Crime. Anti social behaviour is always an issue but the figures are collected in a different way.The next meeting of the SNP will be held in September.