DATA LABEL: PUBLIC
Broxburn, Uphall & Winchburgh , LOCAL AREA COMMITTEE
REPORT BY PS Iain Wells
A. PURPOSE OF REPORT
The purpose of this report is to provide the Local Area Committee with an update on performance, activities and issues across the Ward for the period up to 31st August 2018
B. RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Local Area Committee notes the content of the report.
C. SUMMARY OF IMPLICATIONS
I Council Values Focusing on our customers' needs; being honest, open and accountable; making best use of our resources; and working in partnership
II Policy and Legal (including Strategic None. Environmental Assessment, Equality Issues, Health or Risk Assessment)
III Implications for Scheme of Delegations to None. Officers
IV Impact on performance and performance Performance relative to the 5 Indicators Year Average; set out in the report.
V Relevance to Single Outcome Agreement We live our lives free from crime, disorder and danger; we take pride in a strong, fair and inclusive society
VI Resources - (Financial, Staffing and None. Property)
VII Consideration at PDSP None.
VIII Other consultations None.
D. TERMS OF REPORT
WARD 2 – Broxburn, Uphall, Winchburgh, Dechmont and Ecclesmachan
NATIONAL PRIORITIES – DELIVERED LOCALLY
Based on our assessment of national priorities, the following have been identified for action for the communities of West Lothian:
Violence
Public protection
Terrorism
Serious and organised crime groups
Antisocial behaviour
Drug and alcohol misuse
WEST LOTHIAN PRIORITIES
The community priorities identified for West Lothian through our Community Planning Partnership are:
Reducing community and social harm caused by drug and alcohol misuse
Protecting vulnerable groups
Reducing antisocial behaviour within our communities
Reducing casualty rates from fires and road traffic collisions
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PRIORTIES
Broxburn, Uphall and Winchburgh
Violence, Disorder and Antisocial Behaviour Substance Misuse Acquisitive Crime Road Safety
WARD 2 – Broxburn, Uphall, Winchburgh, Dechmont and Ecclesmachan
1/ PERFORMANCE
For full details, please use the below link to access the Police Scotland Internet site. http://www.scotland.police.uk/forces-welcome
Broxburn Ward Month May-18 May-17 % Change TYTD LYTD % Change Youth Calls 27 22 23% 44 56 -21% All ASB Calls 122 99 23% 211 189 12% Hate Crime 0 1 -100% 2 3 -33% Vandalism & Reckless Conduct 15 12 25% 24 25 -4% Fire-raising 0 1 -100% 1 3 -67% Public Space Assaults 6 5 20% 14 10 40%
Broxburn Ward Month Jun-18 Jun-17 % Change TYTD LYTD % Change Youth Calls 19 25 -24% 63 81 -22% All ASB Calls 101 99 2% 312 288 8% Hate Crime 4 2 100% 6 5 20% Vandalism & Reckless Conduct 10 10 0% 34 35 -3% Fire-raising 0 1 -100% 1 4 -75% Public Space Assaults 5 5 0% 20 17 18%
Broxburn Ward Month Jul-18 Jul-17 % Change TYTD LYTD % Change Youth Calls 15 18 -17% 78 99 -21% All ASB Calls 100 113 -12% 412 401 3% Hate Crime 0 1 -100% 6 6 0% Vandalism & Reckless Conduct 9 19 -53% 43 54 -20% Fire-raising 1 2 -50% 2 6 -67% Public Space Assaults 5 4 25% 25 25 0%
Broxburn Ward Month Aug-18 Aug-17 % Change TYTD LYTD % Change Youth Calls 11 12 -8% 72 111 -35% All ASB Calls 103 93 11% 515 494 4% Hate Crime 2 1 100% 8 7 14% Vandalism & Reckless Conduct 15 10 50% 58 69 -16% Fire-raising 0 0 #DIV/0! 2 6 -67% Public Space Assaults 4 2 100% 29 27 7%
WARD 2 – Broxburn, Uphall, Winchburgh, Dechmont and Ecclesmachan
2 Local Priorities
Violence, Disorder and Anti-Social Behaviour
Statistics show at the start of the reporting period a slight rise in anti-social behavior and assaults. However towards the end the stats show a steady recorded decrease across the ward area.
Hate crimes show an increase, however please note that although the percentages appear relatively high, the actual number is still low, predominantly in single figures.
Through identification of hotspot areas and regular patrolling there has been a substantial reduction in Youth calls in the ward area. This has had a knock on effect that reported Vandalisms and Fire raising are down across the ward.
Partnership working between West Lothian Council Safer Neighborhood Officers and Community Police officers continues, and a number of intervention visits, tenancy anti-social behavior warnings have been carried out to problematic/repeat houses and locations in the area. This is a key partnership that assists greatly in the reduction of Anti-Social Behavior in communities.
Road Safety
Issues and complaints of parking continue throughout the ward areas. Community Beat Officers have been conducting numerous mobile patrols throughout the “Hot Spot” area’s engaging with drivers and members of the public. Police will continue to monitor this over the coming months making efforts to desist the problem. Several Road Traffic Tickets have been issued during this time with drivers failing to comply with road regulations.
Robust enforcement has continued in relation to the anti-social use of vehicles (Quad Bikes and Off Road Bikes) in the areas of Broxburn and Uphall. Mobile Foot patrols have been conducted within Broxburn Community Wood and Canal Paths making efforts to prevent the use of these vehicles being driven on prohibited areas. Road traffic officers, with the assistance of intelligence provided by community officers, have also been regularly targeting areas where vehicles have been known to speed. Officers will continue to target the well-known area’s affected by anti-social use of vehicles and issue traffic tickets when required.
The Parksmart Scheme which was rolled out to schools in recent months is being adopted by many schools across the county, however there are some schools who could be making better use of the resources, and indeed still some schools to adopt the scheme.
WARD 2 – Broxburn, Uphall, Winchburgh, Dechmont and Ecclesmachan
The schools will have access to the relevant materials however should there be any issues, the contact within West Lothian Council is Karen McCubbin.
Acquisitive Crime
The Broxburn, Uphall and Dechmont area has seen a recent rise in crimes of Theft House Breaking, Theft from Motor Vehicle and Theft of Pedal Cycle. Criminal Investigation Unit, CID along with Uniformed Officers worked closely together resulting in 2 males being identified and reported to the Procurator Fiscal. High- Visibility patrols remain and will continue throughout these targeted area’s making efforts to prevent further incident.
Police would like to highlight to the local community the use of Neighborhood Watch and Social Media as positive tools to engage with one another in efforts to remain vigilant.
Details can be found at https://www.neighbourhoodwatchscotland.co.uk
Substance Misuse
Police patrolling the local wards continue to carry out a number of targeted drug searches resulting in positive stops. The stops are mainly intelligence led which also allows up to date intelligence to be submitted. The trend continues to show that these recoveries predominately involve the personal use of herbal cannabis.
A recent Missue of Drugs Warrant was executed in the Uphall area resulting in 3 males being arrested and a quantity of drugs and money being seized.
Broxburn
There has been during the reporting period a large number of reported Break-Ins to business premises in the town Centre area. Police provided crime prevention advice through the Small Business Federation and the Town Centre Management group. Following enquiries into these crimes two males have been reported to the Fiscal.
There has also been a rise in reported Theft by Housebreaking, Theft from Motor Vehicle and Theft of Pedal Cycle throughout Broxburn. Criminal Investigation Unit, CID along with Uniformed Officers worked closely together resulting in 2 males being identified and reported to the Procurator Fiscal. High-Visibility patrols remain and will continue throughout these targeted area’s making efforts to prevent further incident.
Issues have been reported regarding the misuse of a footpath by vehicles leading from Fivestanks Place to Cunnigar Road. There are also reports of non-criminal ASB in the area and local police have engaged with the local community and partners in relation to this.
WARD 2 – Broxburn, Uphall, Winchburgh, Dechmont and Ecclesmachan
Joint visits have been carried out to identify Problem premises with Council SNT officers and where appropriate Tenancy warnings issued.
The Gala Day took place on Saturday 26th August 2018 with a pro-active focus on problematic premises and hotspots. The day passed without any notable incidents.
Uphall
In May a number of business premises were broken into in the Main Street. Support was given to the businesses with crime prevention advice provided through the Town Centre Management group. Two males have since been identified and reported to the Fiscal.
Police through partnership work with Council SNT and other agencies assisted in an Anti-Social behavior order being obtained for a problem tenant.
Winchburgh
Neighbour dispute in the area continues to be addressed with Police working with SNT, housing and Social Work .All parties involved have been encouraged to contact the relevant agencies to try resolve issues.
Ecclesmachan
No Incidents of note
Dechmont
In August a serious assault was reported on the Main Street. The male responsible was identified quickly and reported to the Fiscal.
There has been recent reports of break ins to sheds and theft of pedal cycles in the area. Enquiry remains ongoing to identify the suspects responsible. Residents are encouraged to contact the Police and report any suspicious activity in the area.
Contacts
Details of your Community Policing can be found at: http://www.scotland.police.uk/your-community/the-lothians-and-scottish- borders/west-lothian [email protected]
You can also follow us on Twitter: @WestLothPolice
Tel: 101
WARD 2 – Broxburn, Uphall, Winchburgh, Dechmont and Ecclesmachan