Issue - meetings

          The Board received a presentation from the Cheshire Police Halton Area Commander and the Widnes Local Policing Unit Commander, which provided an update on policing performance and priorities for Halton.

          The presentation outlined:

·       The Force priorities:

o   Violence and Intimidation against Women and Girls;

o   Incident Management and Response Times;

o   Victims Code of Practice;

·       Force performance data for 2024; Cheshire was the second best Police Force in the Country for charged/summonsed outcome rates for sexual offences and third best for charged/summonsed outcome rates for Violence Against the Person;

·       Halton Performance – recorded crime rates for Widnes and Runcorn;

·       Bringing offenders to justice journey – all crime and Domestic Abuse;

·       Anti-Social Behaviour – although there had been a slight increase in 2024 in Widnes, there had been a decrease in Runcorn;

·       Good News Stories which included a significant decrease in active County Lines in Halton;

·       Public Confidence – Cheshire was the second highest ranking Police Force for overall confidence in local police and third highest which the public thought the police were doing an excellent or good job in their local area; and

·       Examples of how the public could get involved e.g. Residents Voice; and Community Cohesion Groups.

Members noted the information presented and following discussions requested if Councillors could be provided with updates following incidents within their wards, as this was the practice previously.  They also requested any updates on cybercrime and if “knife sweep” could be carried out in Runcorn, as one had not taken place for some time.  

Members also raised concerns about parking issues within the Borough; the Police and Crime Commissioner informed Members that following a series of meetings it was anticipated that a resolution had been found to help tackle the issues and he would provide more information as part of his presentation.

The Board thanked Police colleagues for their attendance and hard work in keeping the Borough safe.

          RESOLVED:  That the presentation be noted.