The Safer Neighbourhood Board met on Wednesday 28th February 2018 to discuss crime data, local priorities, and updates on policing and community safety initiatives. Key discussions included a rise in moped-related crime, the future of Neighbourhood Watch schemes, and the restructuring of Basic Command Units.

Safer Neighbourhood Board Data Pack and Local Priorities

The Board reviewed data on police confidence, satisfaction, stop and search figures, and overall crime trends in Wandsworth. While overall police confidence in Wandsworth was increasing, a significant concern was the low figure of 13% for residents knowing how to contact their local ward officer. Superintendent Barrie Capper of the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) noted that efforts were underway to improve this, including circulating contact details and increasing community contact sessions.

A notable increase in personal robbery (36.3%) and residential burglary (35%) was highlighted, although the latter was partly attributed to a classification change. Vehicle crime, particularly theft from vehicles, remained a concern, with Wandsworth ranking high for such offences in London. Moped-related crime, including theft and associated offences like robbery, was identified as a significant challenge. The Board agreed to retain burglary, anti-social behaviour, vehicle crime, and drug supply as the local priorities for 2018/19, based on evidence and volume of incidents.

Councillor Richard Field raised concerns about a rise in burglaries in the Nightingale ward during December, which was identified as a hotspot, particularly in winter. Robyn Thomas, Head of Community Safety, stated she would investigate potential security improvements for houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in relation to burglary prevention. She also agreed to explore the possibility of banning estate agents' boards in specific areas, following a suggestion from the Chairman.

Neighbourhood Watch Strategy

Jamie Endrizzi, Community Safety Officer, presented proposals for a new Neighbourhood Watch (NHW) strategy. She highlighted that while NHW is an effective crime prevention tool, it currently lacks a clear organisational structure, dedicated resources, and a cohesive communications strategy. Funding from MOPAC (Metropolitan Police Authority) has been secured until August 2018 to support improvements, including updating a database and simplifying Police National Computer checks.

The proposed structure includes a NHW forum, chaired by a member of the Safer Neighbourhood Board (SNB), with representatives from each ward, council, and police leads. Community safety officers would manage new NHW applications and training. Concerns were raised by John Dennehy about the theoretical nature of the proposals and a lack of clear timelines, particularly regarding the establishment of a NHW in Tooting. Data protection issues regarding the sharing of co-ordinator information were also discussed. It was agreed that NHW would be an agenda item for the next meeting.

Basic Command Unit Update

Superintendent Peter Gardner provided an update on the South West Cluster developments for the Basic Command Units (BCU), noting significant funding reductions for the MPS. He outlined the advantages of the BCU model, including more visible Dedicated Ward Officers (DWOs) working from community hubs and increased investment in safeguarding. Victim care for lower-level crimes would be handled by the attending officer, allowing detectives to focus on more complex cases.

While operating as a BCU, the police would retain a borough-based presence and responsibility for borough forums. There would be investment in school officers and a dedicated youth offenders team. Stations in Kingston, Twickenham, and Tooting would close, with Lavender Hill's lease not renewed. Safeguarding would be split between Kingston and Wandsworth, and partnership hubs would be based in Wimbledon. The BCU is planned to go live on 23rd May 2018.

Co-Commissioning and Finance Update

Robyn Thomas reported that MOPAC had approved funding for 2017/18 for initiatives addressing moped-enabled crime and knife crime. Projects to be funded include work by street doctors, a training and accreditation programme for young men called Fit 4 Work, a mentoring programme called Motivate, and a DVD project involving ex-offender Josh Osbourne and Ridley Scott, aimed at young people.

Tranche one of the co-commissioning fund, which focuses on youth offenders and sexual violence, has opened, with tranche two for bids to follow. Ms Thomas stated she would provide further information on these projects to the Board.

Other Business

The Board acknowledged the passing of David Lunt, former Chair of the Roehampton and Putney Heath SNP. Angela Grzywacz reported that a consultation would be held on a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for an event on the Patmore estate. John Dennehy requested that future meetings include discussions on tactics to tackle and eradicate anti-social behaviour, which was noted as an SNB priority.