Agenda item

Richard Webb, Director of Community Safety and Enforcement and Chief Inspector Ben Wright were in attendance to present the information in the report and respond to Members’ questions.

Members were provided with an overview of recent activities under the Safer Hillingdon Partnership, which focused on practical improvements such as a cuckooing protocol to support vulnerable residents and a crime and disorder survey to inform the community safety strategy.

The Chief Inspector provided a police update, highlighting key issues affecting policing, including a budget deficit leading to paused recruitment and reduced officer numbers, challenges with prisoner releases, court backlogs, and increased demand from immigration removal centres and hotels.

Members were informed that the figures set out in the report were somewhat skewed as Heathrow airport data had been included in the Hillingdon crime figures. This was an IT blip which would be rectified for future reporting.

Despite these challenges, it was noted that there had been successes in reducing homicide, violence with injury and violence against women and girls. The Committee heard that there had been a short-term spike in knife crime and burglary particularly in Ruislip and West Drayton; 3 people had now been charged with 45 aggravated burglaries. The Chief Inspector also mentioned the significant reduction in theft from motor vehicles, hate crime and the high detection rate for shoplifting. It was reported that there was a focus on driving down bike thefts.

Members asked about the statistical impact of prisoner releases and policing cuts in Hillingdon. The Chief Inspector replied that Government research indicated that 25% of people released from prison reoffended within one year and 55% within three years. Anecdotally, the Chief Inspector confirmed that released prisoners were reoffending, and the range of crimes varied.

In response to questions from the Committee, it was confirmed that the crime figures included any institutions within the Hillingdon footprint, including Hillingdon Hospital, Riverside, and the Immigration Centre.

Councillors asked about the number of current vacancies in the BCU and the adequacy of officer numbers. The Chief Inspector replied that the resourcing picture was healthy, with vacancies being held elsewhere, and emphasised the prioritisation of frontline BCUs.

The Committee enquired about the expected loss of officers over the next 12 to 18 months due to retirement, sickness, or injury. It was clarified that the 1800 officers were for Ealing, Hounslow and Hillingdon BCU, and Borough resourcing would be prioritised despite the budget gap.

Members raised concerns about the decrease in reporting of violence against women and girls and the lack of trust in the police. The Chief Inspector acknowledged the challenges and emphasised the importance of prioritising public protection and improving victim care. It was confirmed that outreach work in local communities was being undertaken to increase police visibility.

Councillors asked whether officers emphasised that rape was a crime during community engagements. In response, it was confirmed that officers delivered that message during engagements.

Reassurance in relation to the high crime figures in Heathrow Villages Ward was sought by the Committee noting that local residents had raised concerns about this. It was explained that the majority of crimes recorded in Heathrow Villages were technical issues related to Heathrow Airport figures.

Members asked about the effectiveness of ward panels. The Chief Inspector replied that ward panels ranged from good to very good and emphasised the importance of driving learning among chairs and officers.

The Committee noted that some residents had lost trust in the police and questioned the accuracy of crime statistics. The Chief Inspector acknowledged the complexity of the issue and emphasised the importance of public understanding of the broader criminal justice system. He noted that reporting of crime in Hillingdon was increasing, and public confidence in the Police was higher than in many other boroughs.

Members asked about the impact of closure orders. It was explained that closure orders had a positive impact and could be extended if necessary.

Councillors sought further information about the Community monitoring groups mentioned in the report. The Chief Inspector explained that these groups were run by the Independent Advisory Group and that they reviewed body-worn video footage of stop and search incidents. Members asked about the advertising of community monitoring groups and the impact of the £200 threshold for shoplifting. The process was clarified, and the importance of criminal behaviour orders was highlighted.

Further to Members’ questions regarding the local crime prevention fund, the grant process was explained, and it was confirmed that the funding had been sustained at the same level for the next four years.

Members enquired about the increase in cuckooing cases and the crime survey. The Director of Community Safety and Enforcement explained the new protocol for reporting cuckooing and the ongoing crime survey which was open until the end of March 2025. It was reported that approximately 500 responses had been received to date and this information would help officers focus their efforts accordingly to achieve the biggest impact.

Councillors asked about youth engagement and crime statistics. The Chief Inspector explained the youth advisory group and confirmed that Hillingdon had less crime per head of population compared to other areas in London.

The Committee raised concerns about educating residents about cuckooing. In response, the Chief Inspector and Director of Community Safety and Enforcement emphasised the importance of reporting concerns and the mechanisms in place for sharing information.

RESOLVED: That the Residents’ Services Select Committee noted the contents of the reports and asked questions in order to clarify matters of concern or interest in the Borough.