Agenda item

The Committee considered the report presented by the Business Manager – Public Protection and Inspector Charlotte Ellam from the Nottinghamshire Police Authority which sought to provide Members with an update on the performance data and activities for crime and ASB across the Bassetlaw and Newark & Sherwood Community Safety Partnership.

The report set out the 2024/2025 crime and ASB performance when compared with the previous year and also introduced the new Community Safety Partnership Strategy and Delivery Plan.

In considering the report, Members asked questions of the Business Manager and also Inspector Charlotte Ellam of the Nottinghamshire Police Authority, who was in attendance at the meeting. 

In noting the 1.6% increase in all crime but a reduction in ASB, a Member queried whether the reason for this was known.  Inspector Ellam advised that there had been a number of burglaries in the town centre together with auto-crime and drugs related offences which had all contributed to the increase in crime.

A Member noted that the replacement programme of CCTV cameras were for those located in the Newark area with one being in Southwell but none for the rest of the district.  The Business Manager advised that the oldest cameras were to be replaced first and then a 10 year programme of replacements would commence across the whole estate.

In referring to paragraph 5.4 of the report – Immediate Justice, a Member queried how successful the pilot scheme had been.  The Business Manager advised that funding from the Police & Crime Commissioner had enable a dedicated Officer to be engaged to deal with this.  Feedback from the scheme was that the interaction with individuals had been profound and that it was hoped that it would continue.  Inspector Ellam added that the context for the project had been borne from public opinion that waiting for justice was frustrating.  This project had enabled justice for low level crime to be carried out swiftly.  A final data analysis was awaited on the success of the scheme.

In noting that speeding was not included as a key theme as reported in paragraph 3.2 of the report, a Member queried as to whether it was not considered a serious enough offence.  The Business Manager advised that the use of cameras by community groups continued to be supported and that speeding was still being monitored even though it was not logged as a theme.

In response to whether the Public Spaces Protection Orders/Dispersal Order at Balderton Lakes, Lakeside Shopping Centre, Coronation Park, had resulted in a positive change in relation to ASB, Inspector Ellam confirmed it had resulted in a significant reduction in ASB at that location.

A Member recalled that previously a discussion about the use of microphones in CCTV cameras had been held and queried whether this had ever been agreed.  He also queried whether CCTV footage was being used in prosecution cases.  The Business Manager advised that footage was frequently used and would look into whether the use of microphones had ever been examined.

A Member noted that a previous report to Cabinet had indicated that the relocation of the CCTV Control Room would be funded from the Newark Town Fund, querying whether this remained unchanged.  The Business Manager advised that the funding stream had been amended.  She also advised that the current CCTV Control Room partnership with the other local authorities was due to end in 2026.  It was confirmed that a report on the amended funding arrangements was being presented to Cabinet on 18 February 2025.

In closing the debate, the Chair sought any comments from Members they wished to be forwarded to Cabinet for consideration prior to their review and adoption of the CSP Strategy and Delivery Plan in April 2025.  A Member commented that he would like to request Cabinet to reconsider their decision to relocate the CCTV Control Room from the Police HQ at Sherwood Lodge to Newark and associated loss of revenue.

AGREED     that:

a)           the Community Safety Partnership performance information be noted; and

b)           Cabinet be requested to clarify the source of funding for the relocation of the CCTV Control Room.