Inspectors Jon Caisley and Paul Davis from the Cramlington, Seaton
Valley and Bedlington Neighbourhood Policing Teams were in
attendance and provided an update on policing issues and crime
statistics within those areas.
Inspector John Caisley, Cramlington Neighbourhood Policing gave an
overview and answered questions about policing and community safety
matters in the Cramlington and Seaton Valley command areas which he
was responsible for. The key points were:
- Thefts from unlocked
vehicles
- Continued traffic
patrols along the A19 corridor.
- Antisocial behaviour
statistics included youth ASB with the police mainly concentrating
on Manor Walks and Brockwell Centre and successfully identifying
ring leaders.
- Crime levels had
initially increased after Covid but had decreased to previous
levels.
- The police relied on
residents to make any reports. Any CCTV or door camera
evidence was helpful
(Councillor Ezhilchelvan joined the meeting at 4.05
pm).
In response to
questions/comments, the following information was
provided:
- The main issue of
vehicle thefts were opportunist thieves trying car door
handles. Patrols would continue to try to establish
suspects.
- Inspector
Caisley to provide Tony Gribbin with
email contacts.
- There had been an
increase in crime in the previous year over the summer months, but
figures had reduced in the winter. Certain locations in
Blyth, Cramlington and Seaton Delaval had accounted for a great
deal of ASB reporting.
- It was understood
that local youth club groups had been well attended and previous
years’ figures be looked at before the groups had been
established to consider whether they had a positive impact.
The results would be fedback to
Cramlington Town Council.
- There had been a rise
in violent crime post Covid, but the reason was
unknown.
- Motorcycle disorder
was more prevalent during the spring/summer months and a number of
forces had been canvassed to find out how they were tackling the
issue to put together best tactics.
- In response to the
comment regarding the 101 calls, Inspector Caisley explained that calls were risk assessed and
a decision made on the response based on the
call.
Inspector Paul Davis,
Bedlington Neighbourhood Policing gave an overview and answered
questions about policing in the Bedlington area:
- Anti-social behaviour
figures were down from previous years.
- Partnership working
had been carried out through education linking with St Benet
Biscop schools and the fire service,
running sessions on the danger of fires in wooded
parks.
- GRIP areas in
Bedlington identified with a high level of violence had dedicated
foot patrols.
- CCTV in Bedlington
Station was run by AssetWatch which
could be linked in with Social Services.
- A county wide
initiative run jointly with the Council was due to start soon on
safety in public places.
In response to
questions/comments, the following information was
provided:
- Partnership working
with the Academy was also considered. Some youths came from
outside of the town from other areas. If individuals were
identified, then intervention could take place.
- Foot patrols covered
different areas and officers would be briefed beforehand if there
were any problems. It was important that problem areas were
reported.
- Regarding the seizure
of motorbikes - conditions had to be satisfied before a vehicle
could be seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic
Act.
- A lot of police time
had been taken over with quarrels and there was concern over the
wellbeing of people across the whole of Northumberland area.
Responses to mental health issues were referred
appropriately.
- Electric scooters had
been used on the road and seized as they were not
insured.
- With reference to
parents dropping off and picking up at schools - work needed to be
prioritised and sometimes certain issues had to take a back
seat. Letters would be sent out over the term time to
encourage parents to park more responsibly.
- The police received
regular information regarding speeding issues and would
monitor.
The Inspectors were thanked for
attending the meeting.