The Public Protection and Safety Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee of Bromley Council met on Tuesday 14 September 2010 to discuss a range of issues including crime trends, town centre safety, and adult safeguarding. The committee endorsed the Bromley Noise Strategy 2010-2013 and the Public Protection & Safety Portfolio Plan for 2010/11, recommending their adoption by the Portfolio Holder.

Police Update and Crime Trends

Martin Huxley, Assistant Borough Commander, provided an update on police activity, reporting an overall 12% decrease in reported crimes compared to the previous financial year. He noted that while the reduction in crime is slowing, this is attributed to the success of initiatives like the integrated offender programme and continued partnership working. Safer Neighbourhood Teams are being informed of offenders released from prison to ensure their monitoring. A new initiative involving police participation in fire safety training with the fire service was also highlighted.

Members inquired about the impact of arresting prolific offenders, with Mr. Huxley confirming that such actions can significantly reduce crime. He also noted that approximately 50% of crimes are estimated to be committed by youths, with most prolific burglars being young offenders. The committee was informed that crimes are not exclusively committed after dark, with many burglaries occurring when occupants are at work.

Regarding alcohol-related crime, the police are continuing their partnership work with the Borough and licensed premises to find ways to reduce it. An increase in a particular type of crime was noted in the Crystal Palace Area, potentially linked to the release of prolific offenders, though numbers were reported to be decreasing. The introduction of Safer Transport Teams has significantly reduced criminal damage on the bus network.

The committee discussed the tagging of offenders, with Mr. Huxley explaining that while some offenders on license with curfews are tagged, it is not a sole solution and can lead to human rights complaints. He also confirmed that intelligence is received from the prison service regarding offender releases.

The effectiveness of Safer Neighbourhood Teams was affirmed, with 22 teams operating across 15 locations, each led by an inspector focused on crime reduction through problem-solving initiatives. The committee was informed that approximately 50% of crime is committed to support drug habits, though no definitive figures are available. While respecting court decisions, a frustration was expressed regarding sentence reductions for guilty pleas, even with overwhelming evidence. The advice to courts not to give custodial sentences to youth offenders was also noted.

Theft of cars from driveways has reduced, with offenders now focusing on stealing number plates for use in crimes such as drive outs at petrol stations. There has also been an increase in the theft of catalytic converters. Regarding speed guns, only two are available in the borough, requiring requests and use by trained officers. Bromley is seeking to secure another gun through TfL.

Town Centre Safety and Recommendations

Councillor Tim Stevens highlighted recommendations from the Renewal and Recreation PDS Working Group Report on Beckenham and West Wickham Town Centres that relate to Public Protection and Safety. Several recommendations are already being implemented. These include Town Centre Managers working with property owners to control access to private alleyways and parking areas, maintaining strong relationships with Safer Neighbourhood Teams to maximise night-time High Street patrols, acknowledging and supporting the work of the Street Pastors scheme in Beckenham, and the Portfolio Holder challenging and monitoring the Metropolitan Police policy on front desk opening times.

The committee also noted recommendations concerning adequate parking provision and the effective use of CCTV in car parks to catch fly-tippers and monitor anti-social behaviour. Improved communication with shoppers and the public through the installation and upgrading of town centre community notice boards was also discussed.

The Portfolio Holder announced a small budget for community notice boards, with Safer Neighbourhood Panels identifying suitable sites. Officers are considering using payback teams for fly-tipping and graffiti removal, with Ward Members able to submit bids for work. The committee noted the report and progress on these recommendations, agreeing to a further report in 12 months.

Safer Bromley Partnership

The committee received previous minutes and the forthcoming agenda for the Safer Bromley Partnership (SBP). The Chairman emphasised the importance of the committee being aware of the partnership's work. James Cleverly from the MPA discussed the imminent Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy (CSRS) announcement and ongoing discussions with the Home Office. He highlighted joint engagement as a success factor for the partnership, noting Bromley's strong performance in 2009.

Mr. Cleverly stressed the need to move forward within financial constraints and avoid duplication of effort. He encouraged Bromley to submit bids for potential funding from TfL, warning that this opportunity might not last. He also cautioned against bureaucratic inertia, suggesting that reduced bureaucracy could free up funds for police officer salaries. He expressed concern about the number of youths in youth offending institutions who should not be there, and conversely, those serving community sentences who should receive custodial sentences.

Concerns were raised about potential voluntary redundancies for civilian staff in the Metropolitan Police due to budget cuts. Mr. Cleverly stated that alternative strategies, such as changing the staffing of custody suites, would be considered before staff reductions. While there would be a small reduction in officer numbers, the Mayor of London has pledged an increase by the end of his term. The number of specials has increased, partly due to a policy of recruiting specials first.

Bromley Safeguarding Adults 2009/10

Members reviewed a report providing an overview of the Bromley Adult Safeguarding Board (BSAB) 2009/10 annual report, which detailed developments in adult safeguarding concerning Community Safety and Public Protection. The Law Commission has proposed statutory obligations for local authorities regarding the investigation of suspected abuse or neglect of vulnerable adults, the formation of adult safeguarding boards, and cooperation in safeguarding cases. A final report is expected in 2012.

The Safeguarding Adults in London Multi-Agency Policy & Procedures, developed collaboratively with various London bodies, is due for implementation in 2010/11. The Appointee and Deputyship Service assisted 149 clients in the past year, managing welfare benefits for those unable to do so and acting as Deputy appointed by the Court of Protection to prevent financial abuse. The service has been involved in seven safeguarding cases, with three referred to the Court of Protection. Efforts are made to recover costs from banking institutions, with one case resulting in a £10,000 debt write-off due to poor bank practice.

BSAB continues to collaborate with other services and partnerships to enhance communication and promote adult safeguarding, including initiatives with the Bromley Safeguarding Children's and the Domestic Violence Forum. All Trading Standards officers have completed level 1 safeguarding training. BSAB is developing a new adult safeguarding strategy for 2011-2014 and consulting with service users and partners. The Board is also working with Supporting Independence in Bromley to address safeguarding risks for personal budget users. The committee noted the report.

Bromley Noise Strategy 2010-2013

The committee considered the Bromley Noise Strategy 2010-2013, aiming to reduce noise pollution and enhance the Borough's sound environment. Noise complaints in Bromley have increased over the last eight years, leading to higher public expectations for effective responses. The strategy details current and planned measures to improve the noise service's effectiveness.

Members were asked for their opinions on issuing Fixed Penalty Notices for licensed and domestic premises and the development of a Code of Practice for noise from events in marquees. Officers explained that while noise limiters cannot be made mandatory for events requiring a temporary events license, guidance on noise minimisation would be offered. Fixed Penalty Notices can be issued, but noise abatement notices will be used first, with FPNs requiring noise to be above a certain level.

Officers confirmed that some complainants request anonymity due to fear of reprisals, which complicates investigations as officers need to enter the complainant's property to monitor noise levels. Web pages for the noise service are under development. The committee endorsed the plan and recommended its adoption by the Portfolio Holder.

Portfolio Plan and Budget Monitoring

The final version of the Public Protection & Safety Portfolio Plan for 2010/11 was considered. The Portfolio Holder described it as a useful aide memoire for members. The committee endorsed the plan and recommended its adoption by the Portfolio Holder.

A budget monitoring report for 2010/11 indicated a projected overspend of £70,000, primarily due to expenditure on stray dogs, a service taken over from the police with an inadequate initial budget. An arrangement with Croydon for dealing with stray dogs is expected to reduce costs. The report was noted.

Capital Programme Monitoring

Members found the figures in the Capital Programme Monitoring report for the first quarter of 2010/11 difficult to interpret. The Chairman suggested that officers clarify the figures and email them to members. The committee resolved that officers be requested to provide this clarification.

Work Programme

A new format for the Work Programme was presented, which will be circulated electronically every two weeks. Officers will also compile a schedule of visits of interest to the committee, with dates and attendees agreed in advance. Members are encouraged to suggest establishments they wish to visit.

Changes to the meeting schedule include a witness session with Dr. Robert Hadley at the October meeting, a presentation by Baseline Youth Project on their grant usage, and a prevent grant report in December. A request for a further report on the Beckenham and West Wickham Town Centre Working Party will be added to the work programme. The work programme was noted.