Scottish Borders Council

Agenda item

Safer Communities Update and Key Activities

To consider report by Safer Communities and Justice Manager, Mr Graham Jones.  (Copy attached),

Minutes:

There had been circulated copies of the Safer Communities Performance Report covering the period 1 April 2017 to 30 September 2017.  Ms Andrea Beavon, Violence Against Women Coordinator, highlighted the key points in the report.

 

7.2       Priority 1 – Reduce the Level and Impact of Gender Based Violence through Effective Partnership Working -   Referrals to the Domestic Abuse Advocacy Support (DAAS) Service had increased to 45% compared to the same period last year.  The number of cases referred to MARAC was also increasing. The Safe Housing Options continued to receive referrals from a range of partner agencies. The number of domestic abuse incidents reported to the Police had increased by 20.1%.  The Court Advocacy Service was now established and within 10 days had received 26 referrals. The Inside Outside Exhibition, which showed the reality of working within the sex industry, was attended by over 100 people. Representatives from the SFRS and Police had attended and feedback had been positive.

 

7.3       Priority 2 – Reduce the Level and Impact of Substance Misuse through Effective Partnership Working - The Safer Communities Team had been consulted regarding development of the Licensing Board policy document.  The team were also coordinating the underage drinking campaign which would be launched in December with targeted periods around the festive period and local festivals. 2018 would be the Year of Young People and health and wellbeing was one of the themes the campaign would support.

 

7.4       Priority 3 – Reduce the Level and Impact of Crime and Antisocial Behaviour through Effective Partnership Working.  There was a reduction of 12.1% in people being monitored for antisocial behaviour which correlated to the 13.1% increase in early interventions undertaken by ASB partners. Community Safety partners were commencing a programme for young farmers in relation to rural fire safety and crime prevention. They had also met to coordinate activity for the festive period, four themes had emerged: Drive Safe, Property Safe, Party Safe and Fire Safe, 

 

7.5       Priority 4 –Reduce the Level and Impact of Poor Driver Behaviour through Effective Partnership Working.   A rolling programme of advanced driver training continued to be offered. Accidents involving motorcyclists continued to be a concern and had increased when compared to the same period last year.

 

7.6       Priority 5 – Reduce the Level and Impact of Accidents in the Home through Effective Partnership Working.  The SFRS had run skills programmes through the TD1 programme.  The programme involved working with young people in developing fire and community safety knowledge and skill.  The seasonal focus on chimney fire awareness, the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and use of stoves and heaters was also being promoted.

 

7.7       In response to questions, Chief Inspector McLean advised that with regard to farm safety, Police Scotland offered specialised advice.  With regard to the dangers posed by grain dryers, LSO Gourlay advised that employer’s had a duty of care to their employees under the Health and Safety Act.   The Chairman thanked Ms Beavon for the report and highlighted the signifcance of the new Licensing Board Policy.

           

            DECISION

            NOTED the report. 

           

 

Supporting documents:

 

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