Neighbourhood Inspector Georgina Minnery

Sergeant A McKeown provided Members with a verbal update on behalf of Neighbourhood Inspector, Georgina Minnery.

It was reported that domestic burglaries had been a particular issue right across the Merseyside Police Force area and that properties had been targeted particularly to steal high powered vehicles. Members heard how the past month had seen a reduction in domestic burglaries due to a successful operation whereby a prolific burglar had been arrested. The use of AMPR facilities and increased patrols had also been utilised effectively.

Members were advised that a common ‘Modus Operandi’ of burglars had been to snap locks of domestic properties in order to obtain vehicle keys. This had been prominent in June/ July but had now decreased. It was reported that the A41 corridor had been particularly affected.

The Committee were then informed that there had been an increase in shed/ garage burglaries over the Summer, although, Wirral South Constituency had not been particularly affected by this. It was then reported that there had been a series of car burglaries due to vehicles being left unlocked and that only rarely had vehicles been damaged in order to gain entry.

With regards to anti social behaviour (ASB), the Committee were informed that some outreach work had been undertaken, and had proven to be successful in reducing ASB rates. He explained that there are plans to include similar schemes in Eastham Ward. The Committee heard that levels of ASB in Mayer Park had fallen in recent months.

Sergeant McKeown then responded to questions by Members.

Questions and Answers

Councillor J Walsh requested an update on the question raised by Mark Craig at the previous Committee regarding the number of incidents of speeding down New Chester Road as a result of the implementation of average speed cameras down the New Ferry Bypass. Sergeant McKeown informed that he did not have the information at this time, but would provide it.

Councillor J Williams enquired into number of burglaries in Bebington Ward and was informed that figures remain the same as last year, Eastham had 3 fewer, Clatterbridge had 2 fewer and Heswall had 3 fewer.

Community Representative, Ray Squire enquired as to when the new Police Station in Heswall Ward would be commissioned. In response, the Committee heard how the library was up and running at the moment and outside, there is a TV screen with details of surgeries. Mr Squire then asked a supplemental question regarding whether residents could make appointments to speak to PCSOs and he was informed that this would be taken back as a suggestion.

Councillor C Carubia requested vehicle theft data and it was reported that Bebington had 3 fewer, Bromborough had 6 fewer, Eastham had 1 fewer, Clatterbridge had 2 fewer and Heswall had 2 more.

A question was raised by a member of the public who enquired about Neighbourhood Watch Schemes and whether any coordination or liaison was conducted by Merseyside Police. In response, the Committee were informed that there is no longer a Co-ordinator within the Police. Community Rep, Ray Squire reminded Members that as a member of the crime prevention panel, he circulates information on local crime figures to elected Members.

A member of the public queried reduced levels of ASB in Mayer Park and asked if this had occurred since the police station had opened in Bebington. In response, Sergeant McKeown felt that this could have been the reason and expressed his viewpoint that police presence does decrease crime levels.

Councillor J Williams enquired about issues surrounding people frequently parking on the pavement in Bebington and enquiring as to whether anything had been done to target this. In response, it was reported that he did not have specific data for the Bebington area to hand, however, in other areas letters had been left on windscreens to encourage drivers to stop parking on pavements.

A request was then made by Councillor P Gilchrist for relevant information to be made available prior to the meeting and the Constituency Manager advised that he would make the suggestion to the Neighbourhood Inspector.

Resolved – That the verbal update be noted.