Agenda item

Chief Inspector Ed Ruffle introduced the subject for discussion and made the following comments:

• The report provided information on crime statistics for the district as from 2016 onwards;
• Kent Police crime data capture was outstanding, with a level of over 96% crime data integrity;
• Crime had come down this year from a summer peak in 2018;
• Thanet was witnessing increasing tourism and growth in summer which was creating demand on resources;
• Victim based crime was defined as those affecting identifiable victims, such as violence against the person. Crimes against the state such as possession of drugs, weapons and public order offences are not included in this category;
• Violence against the person was the highest form of crime in the district, followed by theft, arson and criminal damage, sexual offences and robbery;
• The figures had declined in volume in comparison to previous years, especially violence against the person theft, sexual offences and criminal damage;
• Vehicle crime in the district was increasing in volume and proportion, particularly theft from vehicles;
• Moped crime and theft using mopeds was contributing the largest proportion to this form of crime. This included theft of mopeds;
• The Police were working on an operation to respond to this problem;
• ASB had started to increase since the beginning of this year, particularly in Margate and Ramsgate;
• This was expected to increase in summer;
• Broadstairs had witnessed an increase in ASB;
• ‘Thirsty Thursday’ had increased ASB in Ramsgate;

• Northwood Ward had witnessed increased ASB maybe due to its proximity to Westwood Cross;
• Generally where there was free Wi-Fi, there was an increase in youth crime (ASB);
• Police had been in discussions with some businesses about this issue regarding free Wi-Fi and managing ASB;
• Hate crime on the rise. It’s important for the public to report this crime. Most of that crime was related to race and ethnicity;
• Stop and search was now used more often. The Police had grown in confidence to this approach. When used properly it worked, particularly for knife crimes;
• There had been an increase in domestic offences where knives were involved.

Responding to the presentation, Members made comments and asked questions as follows:

• What types of ASB crimes were being committed in Broadstairs?
• Broadstairs suffered ASB incidents committed by individuals from outside Broadstairs;
• Ramsgate Town Council had suggested that strategies for combating ASB, including setting up bollards. However residents were advised that they had to continue to report ASB incidents. The question was what was that information used for?
• Why were Thanet villages crime stats not in the report?
• Requested that the slides presentation be circulated to Members;
• What was the relationship between the Police and licensed premises that sell alcohol to manage reported incidents, including from such promotions like ‘Thirsty Thursday?’
• Six to seven years ago TDC tried to engage businesses to encourage them to stop selling cheap alcohol. However this was not successful as businesses were unwilling to comply;
• Could future performance reports include successful prosecutions and other Police initiatives to prevent crime in the district;
• How did crime stats in Thanet compare to other areas with similar types of crime?

Chief Inspector Ruffle responded as follows:

• He was currently studying the information and familiarising himself with the issues affecting the district, particularly around the local night time economy, summer activities and Westwood Cross.
• The town centre constabulary establishment had been increased. The Police were keen to use resources in the most effective way in order to respond to where problems were most prevalent at any time;
• Thanet was becoming more popular and had seen increased investment in the area;
• The district was attracted youth from London and this had increased crime;
• Last year, the police responded to reported ASB incidents by increasing policing for night time economy. These reports included incidents reported by residents and business establishments;
• Police would explore approaches like working with licensed premises and TDC on encouraging responsible drinking;
• Pub watch and schemes used elsewhere would be explored;
• Future reports to the Panel would include information on successful prosecutions.

The Chairman thanked Chief Inspector Ruffle and Members noted the report.