SERIOUS YOUTH VIOLENCE STRATEGY - UPDATE
To receive an oral report from Community Safety.
Minutes:
Officers presented information on serious group violence. Crime in Havering was in line with the national average. Following the riots in Inner London enforcement in these areas had increased therefore a knock-on effect in Outer London Boroughs had been seen. The changes were highlighted to the Sub-Committee together with the possible impacts that would be had.
In 2012, Havering was not selected as a Trident Borough, however regular liaison with the Home Office were carried out as there were a number of nominals on the Matrix.
The difference between Peer Groups, Gangs and Organised Criminal Networks was explained. 52 young people in Havering were monitored on a regular basis, as being gang affected or gang active. Of these, 20 nominals had appeared on the Trident Gang Matrix.
Havering had the fourth highest increase in London for Serious Youth Violence in 2014/15, with an increase of 30.6% from 108 victims in 2013/14 to 141 in 2014/15. Havering had the 10th highest volume of firearms discharged in London in 2014/15 (11 shootings) with 24 in Lambeth and only 1 in Kingston upon Thames. It was noted that this would include some air-rifles and some may not be confirmed as firearms.
The largest concern was that Havering had the 5th largest increase for knife crimes resulting in injury (stabbings) in 2014/15. This was an increase of 35.43% from 48 victims in 2013/14 to 65 victims in 2014/15. Officers explained that this was linked to robberies and was around the town centre transport hubs.
The MOPAC funding was explained together with the preventative work that would be carried out.
It was noted that Havering was working with the Home Office on a new piece of work to find out what is known about vulnerability and violence. This would be linked to working with County Lines and sharing local knowledge and information about missing persons. It was noted that drug lines were worth around £20,000 per week. This would be across East London and Essex.
Members noted that there was a briefing session on 20th October on Child Sexual Exploitation for all members which was agreed would be useful to attend.
Officers stated that the most activity was in the town centre, these areas were monitored via CCTV and Police Resources. Monthly monitoring took place to ensure the service was aware of any issues.
The Sub-Committee thanked the officer for the presentation.