The Assistant Director for Neighbourhood Safety and Transport presented the report of the Director of Neighbourhood Services which provided Members with an update on key activity in relation to two of the ten thematic areas of Wirral Community Safety Strategy (2021-2026); Violent Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour.

Members were informed that Violent crime has seen a reduction in 2023/4; this is primarily due to a reduction in domestic violence, which has reduced by 20%. Non-domestic abuse related offences have reduced by 3%. Non-domestic violence with injury has reduced by 5%, without injury by 0.5% and stalking & harassment has reduced by 0.5%.

It was noted that over the past two years, Wirral has seen escalating issues with organised crime related violence. In the last four months of 2022, there were five firearms discharges resulting in two fatalities.

In response to the escalation, Members were informed that Merseyside Police had drawn officers across the Force to support activity to prevent and tackle serious organised crime, through ‘Operation Remove’. Regular co-ordination of activity took place with officers from Community Safety.

Members discussed the emergency help-points and breakdown of calls and were informed that this would be incorporated into a tracker. Capturing of data was also discussed, as well as community engagement in regards to anti-social behaviour and Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) and diversion activities. Also discussed was the influence of social media, and access to negative information online. It was noted that this is being dealt with pro-actively by schools and youth services. Members queried how the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) was distributed and were informed that whilst the Council had no say on where this money is distributed, Wirral does get a fair allocation. Members also noted the hard work undertaken by the Community Safety team during the Open Golf held in Hoylake.

Resolved, that the report be noted.