Issue - meetings

Cheshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner attended the meeting to present the latest Police and Crime Plan to Members of the Board.  Following feedback from a public survey, the Plan set out the Commissioner’s vision for policing, crime and community safety in Cheshire.

During the Commissioner’s time in office, Cheshire was the only County in the Country to see a reduction in crime,

The six key priorities for policing and crime in Cheshire were to:

• Prevent and tackle crime;
• Make Cheshire’s roads safer;
• Deliver justice for victims of crime;
• Protect vulnerable and at-risk people;
• Improve public confidence in policing; and
• Modernise the Police service.

It was noted that one of the concerns raised during the public survey was the speed issues on Watkinson Way and as a result average speed cameras were due to be installed in October 2023.

          The Board noted the report and provided feedback which included: 

·       Councillors were confused with boundary changes and which Police Officers to contact on behalf of their constituents.  The Commissioner agreed to provide an up-to-date contact list and this information would also be included on the newsletters which would soon re-commence again;

·       Councillors believed that constituents did not report minor crimes.   Both the Commissioner and the Police reassured the Board that they would encourage the public to report minor crimes as often those who commit minor crimes graduate to committing more serious crimes.  All information received by the Police help them to build intelligence;

·       There was a discussion about how the Police could improve their communications and it was suggested that Police messages need to be communicated at grassroot level e.g. women’s community groups.  Other communication outlets that were suggested were:

o   the Council’s “In Halton” newsletter which was delivered to every household in the Borough; and

o   Halton & St Helens Voluntary and Community Action Group, of which 560 organisations were members.

·       There was a discussion about dangerous dogs and the need for all dogs to be licensed and chipped.  Councillors suggested that the matter would be taken via the MP; and

·       The Police Commissioner was invited to contribute to a message that is delivered to all secondary school pupils via a group of Magistrates who visit schools to explain the consequences for those who commit crime. 

     RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.