Local Police Team
Minutes:
Inspector Richard Hynes, from the south west cluster neighbourhood, explained that borough wide crime had fallen 6.2%. Although, thefts from motor vehicles and of mopeds along with criminal damage offences were on the rise.
South Camberwell ward – 42% fall in crime across all offences.
Brunswick Park ward – 10% reduction since last year.
Camberwell Green ward – Some increase in offences had been recorded during the last month so resources would be focused there to tackle that.
Inspector Hynes asked residents to be careful with open windows during the hot weather as it was a period when burglaries tended to rise. Police numbers were up to 35 officers, including 11 PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers). Residents were encouraged to join local neighbourhood watch schemes or set one up. Also, to generally keep an eye out for the elderly in the community.
In response to questions, Inspector Hynes made the following points:
· A question at a previous meeting related to the use of tazers and mental health hospitals – There was no specific guidance on tazer use. Use was down to an officer’s judgement on a case by case basis. Officers were trained to a high level.
· Regarding work with young people during the summer – There would be a youth bus in places like Burgess Park. The special bus had games consoles and the internet. Several bikes (previously seized) had been donated to the Southside Young Leaders Academy and the police would chat to young people involved, whilst they work on those bikes. Work was also being done at Artichoke Place with the Camberwell Youth Forum.
· The police would issue tickets to offending cyclists seen going through red lights and travelling on the pavement. A number of operations had targeted the problem.
· The police would try and attend local tenants and residents’ association meetings when requested in advance to do so.
· The police were doing various operations on premises supplying drugs. If the police received information about drug dealers, officers would respond. It was important to rid the community of the blight of drugs.