EALING COMMUNITY AND POLICE CONSULTATIVE GROUP

REPORT OF A MEETING, MAY 13, 2004

1.The meeting received a presentation from the Specialist Crime Directorate, launched by the Met. Police in November 2002, as an additional resource, liaising internationally and cooperating direct with Boroughs. It deals specifically with murders, gun crime, Class A drugs, child protection, fraud and organised gun crime. Gun crime has risen; 6% of Met. Officers are now armed. There are an estimated 45,000 crack cocaine users in London; seizures of drugs doubled last year. A major concern is the number of children who arrive at Heathrow and then disappear. (I have a brochure about CSD if anyone would like to see it.)

2. The Borough Commander Martin Bridger, gave a visual presentation. Last year there was an overall 5.5% reduction in crime, with 22,000 fewer victims of crime, but violent crime, criminal damage and anti-social behaviour (ASB) rose. The police are forming a team to work with the Council Coordinator to combat ASB.

Top priority is Neighbourhood Reassurance Policing; Safer Neighbourhoods is a Government initiative for ward based, intelligence led policing to be introduced within the next 4 years. Emphasis is on public participation and consultation, with joint action by communities, police and partners and the visible presence of a police team with dedicated resources and no abstractions. The first in Ealing was launched in April; two more will start this year and others are being selected.

3. S Acton Estate. The 6 month review has demonstrated that partnership works: significant seizures of crack cocaine, arrests, police actions, intelligence reports and residents’ confidence. The dedicated team will stay until October. (I asked if they had analysed the displacement of crime into nearby areas. They have not, but experience shows that displacement tends to lessen crime).

The next meeting will be on July 15 at 7.30 in The Town Hall. ALL ARE WELCOME!