Agenda item

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

There had been circulated copies of the Safer Communities Performance report covering the period from 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019.  Mr Colin Bain, Senior Safer Communities & Community Justice Manager, highlighted the main points:-

6.2       Priority 1 – Reduce the level and Impact of Gender Based Violence through effective partnership working.  The number of incidents reported during the period was 1.005, 77 incidents lower than 2017/18.  Referrals to DAAS had also reduced.  Referrals to all domestic abuse services was similar to last year, with more support being received by the most vulnerable clients with complex needs.  The Gender Based Violence Strategic Assessment had been completed and would form the basis of revised reporting to the Scrutiny Board.

6.3       Priority 2 – Reduce the level and impact of Substance Misuse through effective partnership working.   Proactive drug enforcement activity had resulted in an increase in disclosures to RSLs for consideration around potential tenancy breaches.   Mr Bain highlighted that the number of alcohol related issues had increased by 1% this year, due to the proactive work being done when policing events and addressing ASB concerns in the community.  In response to a question, Mr Bain explained the referral process.  Mr Coyle added that RSLs referred to appropriate agencies to support tenants in order to sustain tenancies.  Mrs Simpson advised that the voluntary sector worked with a number of organisations across the Scottish Borders, they could access funding and would be pleased to provide support. 

6.4       Priority 3 – Reduce the level and impact of Crime and Antisocial Behaviour through effective partnership working.    ASB and vandalism had remained consistent to the same period last year.   The report advised that there had been a 7.5% reduction in people being monitored for antisocial behaviour, Mr Bain explained the significance of early intervention in partnership with RSLs and a consistency of approach. It was noted that referrals to mediation had been lower and that the Mediation Officer had taken on an additional role as Gypsy Traveller Liaison Officer and balanced demand across the two functions.   Mr Coyle advised that a noise app had been piloted and he could provide feedback.  SBHN had also been piloting CCTV achieving a reduction in fly tipping which had a positive impact on communities.

6.5       Priority 4 – Reduce the level and impact of Poor Driver Behaviour through effective partnership working.  Group 7 motor vehicle driving offences had risen since the same period last year with a detection rate of 91%.   The successful Drivewise project continued and had been redesignated as a charity, dates had been set for further over 65 sessions.  Planning was underway for a Schools’ Countryside Day, with road safety a key feature for community safety. 

6.6       Priority 5 – Reduce the level and impact of incidents in the home through effective partnership work.  The Go Safe Scotland resource, was being embedded in the school curriculum.  Subjects such as spotting hazards, poisoning, burns, choking and falls has been incorporated, in addition safety equipment was suggested in the inputs.

DECISION

NOTED the report.