Agenda item

The Head of Housing and Health submitted a report which provided an understanding of the changing nature of crime associated with the minimisation of crime within the night time economy (NTE).  The report also identified issues requiring more investigation. 

Chief Inspector McDonald provided a summary of the report.  He stated that despite low levels of crime generally in East Herts, crime within the NTE were highest in Bishop’s Stortford and Hertford adding that police intelligence suggested that the main victims of the NTE were in their early mid-twenties and twice as many men as women.  Members’ attention was drawn to a number of the proposed actions as detailed in the report, which would support the minimisation of crime associated with the NTE. 

The Chief Inspector referred to the possibility of seeking accreditation of Purple Flag (a standards and management process for managing the NTE within Towns and City Centres).  The Chief Inspector referred to crime within Hertford and the positive contribution made by the Taxi Marshalling Scheme.  He expressed concern that this scheme would not be supported further in Bishop’s Stortford and how this might impact negatively on crime figures. 

The Chief Inspector referred to increasing crime figures in Buntingford usually by people coming into the area from locations such as London and Harlow and the absence of a Pub Watch in that location.  He referred to the increasing use of Uber taxis which were not registered and not managed and the impact this could have on crime figures.

In response to a query from Councillor I Devonshire, the Head of Health and Housing provided an update on Scannet and advised that there were ongoing discussions with Bishop’s Stortford Town Council (BSTC) in relation to the Taxi Marshalling Scheme.  Councillor N Symonds expressed her concern and frustration at the action of BSTC in withdrawing funding support for the Taxi Marshalling Scheme. 

Councillor P Ruffles praised the positive contribution of the Taxi Marshalling Scheme in Hertford and raised a number of queries about the NTE, crime (and alcohol related crime) in Hertford (which was very low) which Officers responded to.  The advantages of Pub Watch were discussed. Officers were also trying to find ways for other pubs, not part of Pub Watch, to communicate with each other such as using WhatsApp. 

In response to a query from Councillor M Pope, the Head of Housing and Health praised the use of CCTV in taxis and the need to continually promote this.  He stressed the need to continually strengthen working in partnership.

In response to a query from Councillor N Symonds about restricting late licences in an effort to reduce alcohol related crime, Licensing Officers explained that applications were viewed on a case by case basis with due regard to risk factors, noise nuisance and any past anti-social behaviour.

Officers provided an update regarding the deployment of its five CCTV cameras adding that they needed to be upgraded.

Members recognised the need to promote Taxi Marshalling Schemes and CCTV within taxis in the District. 

The Committee approved the report, as now submitted.

RESOLVED – that (A) themes and issues as now detailed, relating to crime associated with the night time economy be forwarded to the Executive Member for Environment and Public Space and the Head of Housing and Health;

(B)     suggested actions as detailed in section 5 of the report be endorsed; and

(C)    proposed actions to tackle crime and associated with the night time economy including the need to actively promote Taxi Marshalling Schemes and CCTV within taxis be forwarded to the Executive Member for Environment and Public Space and the Head of Housing and Health.