Many thanks to those attended the Retail Against Crime meeting on 26 November 2019.
Police Update;
· There is a reported decrease in crime across the town centre
· Knife arches have been used at various evening venues and has been a success
· There is now an additional PC added to the precept bringing the total to 10 for the Town Centre Team
· The town is improving and partnership working within the town is strong
· The previous issues with the street community at two premises have been addresses with increased patrols from the TCT
· Recent community day Op High Street was a great success – the day offered practical advice for visitors and residents from a variety of organisations
Retail Crime;
· The Street Rangers assisted in the recovery of £8,000 of stolen goods – 70% recovery rate in the last quarter
· Reduction in Rough Sleeper states (down 60%) as the Community Safety officers have taken over the majority of this role freeing up the Street Rangers to focus on retail crime and interacting with businesses
· There has been some great PR for the team – one Ranger recovered a stolen bike and the team also recovered an impressive £500 worth of goods from a group of shop lifters
Community Safety Update inc Rough Sleeping/Begging & Street drinking
· 404 ‘actions’ recorded over the past 2 months with
o 42 records of begging
o 100 targeted patrols to hotspots
o 8 CPW’s issued
o 8 CPN’s issued
· Results of the CST (Community Safety Team) participation for Op High Street will follow but it was well attended with positive feedback
· The PSPO (Public Spaces Protection Order) will now be implemented before Christmas. Further communication and new signage will follow.
· The CST are looking into fixed penalty notices for cycling from January 2020 – update to follow
· The CST have redesigned there website – www.southendcsp.org.uk
· The first prosecution of an offender by the team is still ongoing
A.O.B
· Concerns over 2 prolific individuals who are causing issues with their premises. TCT and CST are aware and it is being dealt with
· Suggested a member of the rough sleeping outreach team from SBC should attend future meetings to give updates on initiatives and numbers. An invite will be sent for the next meeting
· The winter night shelters start on 2nd December until March 2020 – referrals though HARP
· TCT lead praised the Christmas Lights Switch On Event and all agreed it was an incredibly busy day, thanks were given all round
· One venue is having issues with football fans at his premises due to the bus replacement service each weekend on the Southend Victoria Line. TCT has noted the concerns and will raise with colleagues.
The BID would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you in January.
We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please email hello@southendbid.com
Next meeting: 28 January 2020, 6pm – The Royal Hotel