Issue - meetings

To receive a verbal update from Hertfordshire Constabulary on their wok in the Hitchin area.

A verbal presentation was received from PS Guy Westwood of Hertfordshire Constabulary.

Audio recording – 26 minutes 38 seconds

The Chair invited PS Guy Westwood of Hertfordshire Constabulary to present. PS Westwood thanked the Chair, gave a verbal presentation and advised:

·         Hitchin Urban crimes for 2022/23 totalled 1,973 compared to 1,819 in 2021/22.

·         North Hertfordshire crimes increased to 6,433 compared to 5,559 previously and County wide crimes totaled 75,459 crimes compared to 73,516 last year.

·         Residential burglaries in Hitchin Urban decreased to 51 from 66 previously. North Hertfordshire and County had both seen an increase.

·         The OWL system was being used to keep the public informed.

·         Business and commercial burglaries had increased to 31 incidents from 27 last year in Hitchin Urban. North Hertfordshire and County had also seen an increase.

·         Theft from motor vehicles in Hitchin Urban had increased to 81 incidents from 63 previously, with North Hertfordshire and County overall increasing.

·         Motor vehicle thefts mostly comprised of catalytic converters, and the increase was likely caused by the increased prices of precious metals.

·         Personal robbery in Hitchin Urban had decreased to 9 from 12 previously. North Hertfordshire had also seen a decrease to 28 from 33 last year.

·         County wide had seen an increase in personal robbery and patrols had been increased.

·         Violence against persons had decreased in Hitchin Urban to 660 from 664 previously. North Hertfordshire and County had also seen a decrease.

·         Criminal damage in Hitchin Urban had increased to 314 incidents compared to 187 previously. Most incidents were in Bearton Ward, with work ongoing in the area and around the town.

·         Criminal damage had also increased in North Hertfordshire and county wide.

·         Shoplifting in Hitchin Urban had increased to 170 compared to 136 previously. North Hertfordshire and County had also seen an increase.

·         Drugs possession incidents in Hitchin Urban had decreased to 67 compared to 85 previously. North Hertfordshire and County incidents had also decreased.

·         Public order offences in Hitchin Urban had decreased to 120 from 131 previously. North Hertfordshire and County offences had also decreased.

·         Possession of offensive weapons in Hitchin Urban had increased to 16 incidents from 14 last year. North Hertfordshire and County had decreased.

·         The priorities were due to be renewed in April. The current priorities were residential burglary, speeding on St. Michael’s and Stotfold Roads and anti-social behaviour in open spaces.

The following Members asked questions:

·         Councillor Richard Thake

·         Councillor Sam Collins

·         Councillor Elizabeth Dennis-Harburg

·         Councillor Clare Billing

·         Councillor Chris Lucas

·         Councillor Val Bryant

In response to questions from Members, PS Westwood advised:

·         There were 22 different crime ratings which made it difficult to break down crime data.

·         There were no direct links to crimes and residents at the Lord Lister Hotel.

·         School years groups were linked to shoplifting, access to alcohol which would fuel anti-social behaviour.

·         County lines crimes were not as high as expected.

·         One problem that came from Nitrous Oxide canisters was littering. As the effect of Nitrous Oxide was short, it was not expected to contribute anti-social behaviour.

·         There were many different categories of theft, therefore figures were categorised  ...  view the full minutes text for item 107