The Kenley Ward Panel met on Tuesday 18th April at the new community hub at Old Lodge Lane Baptist Church.
The Kenley Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) reported on progress against the community safety priorities that were set at the January Ward Panel meeting.
- Violence against the person with particular attention to domestic abuse and violence.
- It was established that support for Domestic Abuse survivors was not the responsibility of the SNT; this would be provided via the response officers and crime reports. Good practice from other boroughs would be sought. The SNT did agreed that publicity about how to get support was valuable.
- Posters were widely distributed through the Ward and it was noted that these needed to be kept in good condition and checked from time to time.
- The SNT is aware of the numbers of domestic abuse reported, but these are not identified by this term under the Violence against the Person figures provided. It is difficult to categorise Violence against the Person crimes for each Ward report based on the data provided from crime reports to specifically show Domestic Abuse.
- It was agreed to do more publicity around domestic abuse.
- Burglaries
- The figures for quarter 4 of 2022 and quarter 1 of 2023 were examined and discussed along with the map and breakdown of offences. The details of each offence are known by the SNT but the figures shown are a summary.
- There had been 6-7 reports of shoplifting at the Co-op.
3.Vehicle crime
- Vehicle theft had reduced along with theft of catalytic converters following a joint operation with Surrey police.
- The police held an event to mark catalytic converters in March which went well with 50 cars marked and a further event is planned for 19th July at Tesco
- Theft of number plates was on the increase. The team advised motorists to screw in number plates to help prevent theft, stolen number plates are often used in crimes.
- There were no ‘hot spots’ for crime in the last quarter, so more difficult to focus attention in one small area to tackle crime.
Additionally it was noted that:
- There was an increase in violence from dogs – dog walkers not controlling their dogs, people becoming nervous when walking their dogs. Dogs attacking other dogs and people. Common Behaviour Notice (CBN) are issued if owner identified; awareness visits made to Kenley Aerodrome, but also Higher Drive recreation Ground and Kenley Common a problem. A dog behaviourist is willing to run another session for dog owners
- A cannabis ‘factory’ in Kenley had recently been closed down successfully
- Incidents of crime could only be pursued if evidence is available of the alleged perpetrators.
Priorities for the next quarter
These to remain the same as:
- Violence against the person.
- Burglary offences.
- Vehicle offences.
The SNT is very keen to visit and work with residents, businesses, schools and community groups. If you would like to engage with the team contact [email protected], follow them on Twitter : @MPSKenley, and attend their regular Cuppa with a Copper events at All Saints Church on All Saints from 10am to Midday on the below dates:
- 27th May
- 1st July
- 5th August
- 9thSeptember1
- 4th October
- 18th November.
The team also send out a regular newsletter on their work which includes crime figures, contact [email protected] to get on their mailing list.
The next meeting will be at 6.30 on 31st July 2023, venue to be confirmed. All residents are welcomed to attend.
