The Scrutiny Committee of Melton Borough Council met on Thursday 17 September 2026 to discuss the Crime and Disorder Annual Report. The meeting heard that community safety arrangements in Melton are strong and effective, with significant progress made in tackling anti-social behaviour, environmental crime, and county lines activity. However, the committee also noted increasing demand on services and the ongoing challenge of securing sufficient funding.

Crime and Disorder Annual Report

The committee received the Crime and Disorder Annual Report for 2026, which highlighted the significant achievements of the Safer Communities Team and its partners. Aisha Rahman, Assistant Director for Customers and Communities, presented the report, emphasising the team's proactive approach and the positive outcomes achieved through strong partnerships and targeted enforcement.

Inspector Rowan Patterson-Bell of Melton and Rutland Police noted a significant decrease in crime, particularly in violence and disorder offences. He also highlighted the ongoing challenges with drug offending and a rise in shoplifting, attributing this partly to national policy changes and increased reporting confidence due to partnership work with Melton BID.

James Foreman and Stuart Cameron from Ingeus provided an update on their Offender to Recovery programme, which aims to help prolific offenders address the root causes of their offending. Stuart Cameron, a navigator on the programme, shared his personal experience and the positive impact the programme is already having, particularly in engaging with hard-to-reach individuals.

Councillor Joe Orson, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Health and Leisure and Rural Affairs, commended the report and the collaborative efforts of all involved. He specifically highlighted the potential impact of reducing shoplifting on supermarket prices, suggesting a potential 13% reduction if shoplifting were eliminated.

The committee engaged in a detailed discussion regarding funding for these initiatives. Councillor Chubb raised concerns about increasing demands on services despite diminishing resources and asked how more funding could be secured. Aisha Rahman explained that funding is often secured through a combination of council resources, in-kind contributions, and successful bids for external grants. She highlighted efforts to secure funding from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and engage with local businesses for goodwill.

Councillor Gordon raised a question about the process for dealing with anti-social behaviour when witnesses are involved, to which Inspector Patterson-Bell responded that it is highly dependent on the circumstances and severity of the incident.

Councillor Cox inquired about the impact of local tips refusing to accept large electrical items on the demand for council services and the role of agencies like the RSPCA in dealing with noise and odour nuisance. It was explained that fly-tipping is a persistent issue, and while officers investigate, evidence is crucial for further action. The RSPCA's involvement is typically limited to animal welfare, with local authorities often responsible for investigating noise complaints.

Councillor Thwaites asked Stuart Cameron from Ingeus about the potential impact of increasing his working days. Stuart explained that more time would allow for greater impact and more consistent engagement with individuals, preventing the reset that occurs with only one day a week. He also highlighted the need for individuals to move away from negative influences in their community, suggesting that relocation could be a key part of breaking the cycle of offending.

The committee also discussed the issue of e-bikes and e-scooters, with Inspector Patterson-Bell outlining Operation Pedal Fast, which has led to the seizure of 14 such vehicles being used in anti-social behaviour. He also mentioned the potential exploration of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for vehicle nuisance.

Councillor Orson raised concerns about speeding in rural areas, which Inspector Patterson-Bell acknowledged as a priority and stated that more resources would be directed towards tackling it, emphasising the importance of intelligence-led policing.

The meeting concluded with thanks to all involved for their contributions and a general consensus that while the work being done is highly effective, there is a clear need for increased funding to sustain and expand these vital community safety initiatives. The committee expressed its support for the team's efforts and the positive outcomes achieved.