Protect Committee Meeting February 2025

25^th February 2025, 9.30am

BID

Four full time team members with at least two on every day. Service covers 7 days a week, 9am - 6pm (10-5 Sundays).

Stats October - January

· £17,703 and 611 business assists

· Project to drill down into the historical detail

Complaints about groups of intoxicated individuals in one specific location. Targeted patrols from Street Rangers and Community Safety Officers have helped curb this activity. It is emphasised that if there is a specific ongoing issue it should be reported and partnership patrols can help deal with issues.

Plans for conflict management training for business staff in partnership with the Police Business Crime team. Aim is to inform staff on avoiding conflict through the use of communication skills, de escalation and noticing the warning signs for potential aggression. Date to be advised.

Street Rangers noted that ASB has calmed recently but there are some new drinkers and purse theft operations have been rising.

Community Safety

· Thanks given for partnership work on a specific issue.

· Safe Space big help for the night time economy, especially around the festive period.

· PSPOs – 17 fixed penalty including 12 alcohol related and 3 littering.

· Joint operation on bikes and e-scooters – wash out day but good for engagement. Discussed around getting a new date in soon to keep activity down. Potential half term.

· Supporting activity on various hot spot activities, support for City Day and for Shakedown.

· Discussion around issuing large goods notices.

Police

· Restructuring resulting in 7 new officers on the Town Centre Police team from 1^st April.

· Separate youth team will now be amalgamated into the normal shifts.

· Safe Space almost certainly a permanent fixture in Southend High Street on Friday and Saturday nights for the foreseeable.

· Project involving plain clothed officers out challenging people behaving in a certain way.

· Just Here to Work campaign – safe workspaces free from harassment, posters detailing information on advice, protecting yourself, where to get support and how to report.

Committee Member Updates

Discussion around civil recoveries and businesses taking action. More consequences there are the more word spreads that it isn’t worth it.

Good feedback from the committee of the police response rate, presence and positive actions.

AOB

Bollards - policy being created.

Lighting - pushed for everyone to use the MySouthend reporting app - if you see it, report it and something can be done.

Next Meeting - 14th May at 9.30am