Agenda item

To consider and review the draft Safer New Forest Strategic Assessment for 2023. 

The Panel considered the Safer New Forest Partnership Strategic Assessment.

The Service Manager Community Safety, CCTV & Community Alarms reported that there was a requirement annually to compile crime and disorder data from the responsible authorities.  The Strategic Assessment 2023 had been collated with data from the financial year 2022/23 and would be used to inform the Safer New Forest Annual Partnership Plan for the next financial year, 2024/25.

The data presented in the assessment showed a decrease in the following key areas:

·        sexual / rape offences

·        theft from persons

·        antisocial behaviour (27% decrease)

·        theft from vehicles, particularly rural car parks

·        public order incidents

It was positive to see any reduction in crime, but it was important to understand the reasons behind the reduction.

The reports of shoplifting had increased by 39% from the previous year, which was a national trend.  Despite this high percentage increase, the number of recorded incidents was relatively low at 177.  It was anticipated that this figure would potentially increase, in part due to the impact of the cost of living crisis, as well as Police not routinely responding to shoplifting reports, and focussing on high harm crime as a higher priority for a number of years.   The Panel noted that Hampshire Constabulary had made a commitment to respond to all shoplifting reports moving forwards.  This commitment was led by Inspector Davies.  Members noted the Strategic Assessment had also identified an increase in reports relating to business burglaries.    

Incidents of possession of weapons, particularly in the Totton, Lyndhurst and the Waterside areas had increased.  The data would be analysed in more detail to understand the reasons for this and the profile of these offences.

The Partnership would review the data within the strategic assessment and develop an action plan of priorities for the next 12 months.  It was expected that the priorities would be centred around the possession of weapons, burglary and shoplifting and inquisitive crime.

A Panel member raised concern regarding the level of shoplifting in Lyndhurst reporting that shop owners had stopped reporting this crime due to a reported lack of action by the police.  It was noted there had been a renewed commitment by the police to follow up all reported incidents but there were questions how this would be communicated to retailers.  The Panel noted that it was expected this would be delivered through the neighbourhood police team, with a Beat Manager who would work directly with the local community.  Members were urged to encourage the reporting of all incidents of crime.  The data would then be used when developing the Partnership Plan with targeted actions and ensure the area was resourced adequately to reflect crime trends.  It was further highlighted that CCTV would be installed in Lyndhurst High Street in two locations identified as crime hot spots.

In response to concern raised about theft in rural areas in sheds and outbuildings, it was noted that funding had been secured from the Home Office to deal with burglaries and provide DNA marker kits for equipment to residents / businesses which would help with the return of stolen equipment, if seized by the police, to its rightful owner. 

RESOLVED:

That the draft Safer New Forest Strategic assessment for 2023 be supported.