The Community Protection Manager presented the report and outlined to Members that the 13.6% increase of “all crime” was actually an increase in reported crime and compared it to a 17.6% increase in Braintree, 17.7% in Basildon and 17.9% in Rochford, to give context.  The Committee were presented with the priorities for the upcoming year.  The Community Protection Manager apologised that “violence against the person” on p25 should have read 3035 not 305.  Members heard that the reduction in “burglary in a dwelling” of 13.6% was the 2^nd largest reduction in the County.  It was also expressed that whilst the figures showed a decrease in “Racially / Religiously aggravated” crime, there had been a spike since Brexit; again this was not only within Thurrock, but a nationwide phenomenon. 

The Committee also heard that although “violence against the person” seemed alarmingly high, 61% of reported incidents were without injury and the 37% increase was relatively low compared to other parts of the County, with a 68% increase in Rochford.  It was also stressed that this category was a somewhat “catch all” category.  The Community Protection Manager explained that gang related violence within the borough was low however London had advised that the situation can turn rapidly when not being monitored and there had been increased activity with active gang members being relocated by Housing Associations from North London to the Chafford Hundred area, so Thurrock were working with Housing Associations and the Metropolitan Police.  Members heard that the lack of an extensive night time economy, such as night clubs, and low Class A drug usage in the area helped keep gang activity in the area down.  A gang related violence document was shown which would be circulated to members after the meeting.

The Chair thanked the Community Protection Manager for his presentation and agreed it was right that the Committee acknowledged the work of Thurrock Community Safety Partnership.  He continued to state that the priorities outlined seemed the correct areas of focus and were in line with the Police Crime Commissioner’s views.  He noted that Anti-Social Behaviour was a real issue in the borough.

Councillor Jones wanted to reinforce what had been said and added that the Youth Offending Service team were one of the best in the Country.  He continued to ask what the make-up of the Thurrock Community Safety Partnership was.  Members heard that the partnership included representatives from Thurrock Council, the Police, the Fire and Health services, Probation (both Community Rehabilitation Company and National Probation Service) and educational representatives.

Councillor Collins asked if there were data which showed a breakdown of crimes by the race, ethnicity and country of origin of the perpetrator, and if it could be included in future reports. 

Councillor Collins continued to raise concern surrounding the “violence against women and girls” priority, stating that it was quite right that we protect those members of society but wondered if there were any facilities where men and boys could go to receive the same concern.  The Community Protection Manager agreed with Councillor Collins’ point and highlighted that a suggested 20% of rape victims were male.  Members were assured that there were services for men, both victim and perpetrator, as it was important to work with perpetrators too, at an early stage to prevent further victims.  He continued that the priority was not gender specific, despite the misleading title; it had was called the Domestic Abuse Strategy elsewhere but had been renamed to cover rape and sexual abuse.

Councillor Collins asked about Female Genital Mutilation (FGM); how it was done and what happened to parents when it was discovered.  Members were advised that FGM had only recently become a criminal offence.  It was also highlighted that neither FGM nor forced marriage were recognised by any religion, as there was often reluctance to speak out in the fear of offending religious groups.  The Committee heard that girls were either taken out of the country or a “cutter” was brought in and “cutting parties” were held.  It was expressed that lots of advice had been given to schools to educate both students and staff.  The same was true of forced marriage and he highlighted the importance of both raising awareness and educating people what to do if the situation arose.  It was outlined that although the understanding previous had been that FGM only occurred in young girls, there was evidence that women after childbirth were also undergoing the process. 

Councillor Collins asked what sanctions could be taken against the family and heard that it was a criminal offence a substantial custodial sentence.

Councillor Piccolo referred to the Council’s strategic objective to build pride and respect in the community and asked whether there was any proof a difference was being made.  He referred to the Tilbury Festival and raised concern at offering events only in specific areas with others being overlooked and wondered whether it could be more generalised.  He also asked for the ethnic breakdown of attendees to see whether it brought the community together or in fact marginalised residents.

The Community Protection Manager insisted that this was just an example and that similar events were happening elsewhere within the borough too.  It was difficult to give an objective measure but the feedback from residents had been positive and there were hopes for more empirical evidence in future.  There were signs that people had confidence that Thurrock Community Safety Partnership and Thurrock Council were taking the matter seriously.

Councillor Collins asked expressed that the stereotypical view of Hate Crimes was English people committing them against individuals of other races or ethnicities.  He asked whether if the victim were English they would be addressed in the same way.  Members were assured that absolutely, any allegation of hate crime, from either the victim or a witness, would be treated in the same manner.  It was noted that there was lots of evidence to suggest that all sections of the community were vulnerable to hate crime.

RESOLVED:

1)    That the Committee noted the performance of the Thurrock Community Safety Partnership for the year 2015/16.

2)    The Committee agreed to support the 3 priorities of the Community Safety Partnership for the year 2016/17, which are:

·         Reduce Youth offending and re-offending of adults and young people

·         To reduce harm to and safeguard vulnerable victims

·         Violent extremism

3)    The Committee noted the links that have been made to support delivery of the PCC’s Priorities