Partnership Inspector Vere Bowyer presented the Police Performance report. He reported that over a rolling twelve month period Total Notifiable Offences (TNO) in Merton is up from 11,449 recorded offences to 12,310 an increase of 7.5%.  This amounts to 861 more offences.  The TNO sanction detection remains largely static at 20.6%.

MOPAC 7 -  Seven crime types are included within MOPAC’s crime reduction target of reducing crime by 20% from 2011/12 to 2015/16.  The average year on year change for these 7 crime types has improved from -14.7% in November 2013 to 19.8% and is therefore on target.

There have been reductions in most areas except a rise in violence with injury which is primarily down to an increase in reported domestic violence and home office counting rules.  However burglary  has increased by 5.9% on the previous 12 months and violence with injury incidents has increased by 18.8% in the previous 12 months to 443 ( mainly due to an increase in Domestic Violence reporting).

Confidence as measured by the Public Attitude Survey remains high in Merton and has improved by 3% to 76% or people stating that the police do a good job in their area.  This exceeds the target of 66%.  This is reflective of data obtained from the Resident’s Annual Survey and represents an improving picture in terms of trust in local policing and a reduction of fear of crime.

For user satisfaction During January Merton was best in the MPS but was again beaten into second place after last month’s data was published.  Merton remains joint second in the MPS at 81.0%, with only Richmond at 83.0%.  The User Satisfaction Survey now measures satisfaction for victims across just three crime types, namely burglary, motor vehicle crime and violent crime.  Improvement has been seen in all areas. 

Overall ASB calls are down 21% and confidence figures continue to show that residents of Merton feel that the police tackle ASB more effectively than in other Boroughs.  There has been a reduction in repeat callers from % in repeat callers.  The increase is predominantly down to callers experiencing issues of mental health and represents a challenge across the Safeguarding Adults piece.  

Merton has had 30 crimes reported this year to date where a race or religious flag has been added.  This equates to around three offences per week, which is consistent with previous performance.  The positive news is that 15 of the offences reported this year have resulted in a sanction detection.  This represents a percentage of 50% which is the best of any borough in London

The number of stop and searches for the period May 13 to April 14 was 3355.  This compares to 2433 for May 14 to May15.  At the same time the percentage of people arrested as a result of stop and search has risen from 15.9% to 20.0%.

A question was asked about why the focus was on the MOPAC 7 crimes and not others?  Inspector Bowyer clarified that the focus is on victim based crime  and is set by the Police Commissioner and the Mayor of London. Emergency calls are prioritised urgently based on information received.

Violence with injury includes assault and domestic violence. In Domestic Violence cases continuing with the prosecution is important.  In answer to a question about how the victims are supported, Inspector Vere replied that there is a victim support team in the court. A case can not be withdrawn and once listed will be heard in the victim’s absence.

What contact is made with the victim before court?  Inspector Vere replied  that the court contact team supports victims. The Police conduct investigations promptly and officers are trained to get evidence quickly.  This reduces having to go back to the victim.

It was suggested that Hate crime need to be broken down to give detail on the various types. It was agreed that in future they will be broken down.

A question was asked about which communities are affected by domestic violence .  Concern was expressed that communities need to be supported. Inspector Vere undertook to find out more. 

Stop and Search has decreased because the strategy has changed.  The emphasis is now qualitative rather than quantitative.  Inspector Vere informed the meeting that there has been an increase in Police Officers on the street talking to young people.  This has resulted in notable changes in the Pollards Hill area. 

Resolved:   Evereth undertook to contact an officer Safer Merton to get the criteria for the funding.