COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER

An introduction by An introduction by An introduction by An introduction by

CouncillorCouncillorCouncillorCouncillor Philip C Evans JP Philip C Evans JP Philip C Evans JP Philip C Evans JP ———— Cabinet Member Governance Cabinet Member Governance Cabinet Member Governance Cabinet Member Governance

and Regulation Conwy County Borough Council and Regulation Conwy County Borough Council and Regulation Conwy County Borough Council and Regulation Conwy County Borough Council

Councillor David Smith Councillor David Smith Councillor David Smith Councillor David Smith ———— Lead Member for Public Realm, Lead Member for Public Realm, Lead Member for Public Realm, Lead Member for Public Realm,

Denbighshire County Council Denbighshire County Council Denbighshire County Council Denbighshire County Council

We are pleased to present the first `Safer Conwy & Denbighshire'

Newsletter which aims to provide key updates and news stories of the

partnership's work.

Strong foundations have been established in partnership working and

our 2015/16 action plan details further and future partnership working

with the aim of achieving improved services and population outcomes.

We have no doubt that there will be challenges ahead but as a

partnership we have a strong ambition and will endeavor to make best

use of the opportunities available, together for a `Safer Conwy &

Denbighshire'.

We hope you enjoy reading about some of the current activity which

has been showcased through `real' examples of where we have made

a difference to people's lives.

Regards

Edition 1 January 2016

"WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY SAFER"

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BACKGROUND COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIPS (CSPs) were created in 1998 to develop and

implement Strategies and action plans to reduce crime and disorder. Each Authority had its

own CSP.

Some 7 years ago Conwy County Borough Council (CCBC) and Denbighshire County

Council (DCC) merged their CSP teams into a single team.

CCBC being the main employer.

Business Improvement and Modernisation take the lead for managing the CSP in

Denbighshire.

MEETINGS:

The Community Safety Partnership meetings: The Community Safety Partnership meetings: The Community Safety Partnership meetings: The Community Safety Partnership meetings:

Strategic Steering Group – which meets three times a year Implementation

Group – this is an operational group which meets quarterly to discuss any emerging problems

Anti-social Behaviour Tasking Group – held every four weeks

"Committed to increasing community safety

in Conwy and Denbighshire through a

reduction in local crime and disorder"

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The Conwy & Denbighshire Community Safety Partnership Plan 2015/16

focusses on the following key areas:

1. REDUCE CRIME AND DISORDER IN THE AREA

2. COMBAT SUBSTANCE MISUSE IN THE AREA

3. REDUCE REOFFENDING

4. LOCAL PRIORITIES

Key actions and initiatives contribute to these focus areas.

Some of which, are highlighted in the pages of this Newsletter - we hope you find them of interest

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PARTNERSHIP

PROJECTS

Partnership Projects funded by specific

grants aimed at reducing crime and

youth offending

All of the projects below are aimed at

reducing the crimes and reoffending-

this is the main aim of the Welsh

Government Grant and the Police and

Crime Commissioner Grant.

Prevention

Prolific and Priority offender officer

Restorative Justice officer

Careers Wales

Unpaid work

Performance

Joint Tasking Budget

Saferhomes scheme

Independent Domestic Violence

Advisor (IDVA)

Domestic Abuse

Coordinator Funding

PERFORMANCE

—some project highlights

10% DECREASE IN REPEAT YOUTH

OFFENDING

In 2014/2015 we have seen a 10% reduction in

repeat youth offending when compared with

previous years Numbers of referrals to Youth

Prevention panels from all agencies have

increased by 265% in the last 12 months. This is

the main aim of the prevention agenda and a

great deal of partnership work has taken place

to make sure referrals are increased.

SAFER HOMES—This Partnership service has

been in place since 2008 and has helped over

1500 victims of domestic abuse. This has

enabled them to feel safe in their own homes

and therefore has enabled them to remain in the

family home.

JOINT TASKING BUDGET—The main aim of

this fund is to ensure that the Anti-Social

Behaviour tasking group made up of all partners

can react to emerging antisocial behaviour

issues.

Case example: In Denbighshire when we had

the deliberate fires in Denbigh we were able to

allocate resources and cameras to that area

which resulted in evidence which ultimately

caught the person responsible.

In 2014-2015 the number of antisocial behaviour

cases dealt with by the Local Authority and

Police has dramatically reduced. The main area

for increase being Dog Fouling reports, as

Denbighshire run a zero tolerance system for

dog fouling and encourage reporting.

Funding for the projects provided by the North Wales Police and Crime

Commissioner and the Welsh Government.

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RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

A definition of Restorative Justice

Restorative processes bring those harmed by crime, and those

responsible for the harm, into communication, enabling everyone

affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm

and finding a positive way forward.

Ministry of Justice

CCTV - A POSITIVE EXAMPLE

OF WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP

This summer, CCTV officers were made aware of a

threat of a male wanting to end their life and that they

were going to jump off a bridge.

CCTV covered all bridges within the network and

picked up on a male scaling a wall onto a railway

track. North Wales Police were alerted that the male

was on the railway track, so they could put a stop on

trains.

A second male that was with him talked him over the

wall and Police Officers were able to detain him for his

own safety.

The male was subsequently taken to hospital to get

the medical care and support he needs.

"A life was potentially

saved " and "severe

disruption to the

North Wales rail

network that normally

follows a fatality on the

railway investigation

was minimised and

avoided by prompt

actions and team work."

CCTV Team Leader

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Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA)

The aim of the Partnership IDVA service is to independently support victims of domestic abuse through the

Court process. The funding we allocated goes towards funding a part time IDVA to work form the Women's

Centre in Rhyl.

This service deals with on average 30 cases each month

DOMESTIC ABUSE

Domestic abuse and/or violence; is the misuse of power and control by one individual

over another individual within the context of a close personal relationship. The abuse

can include a wide range of abusive and controlling behaviours, including:

• Physical abuse

• Psychological abuse

• Emotional abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Financial control

5 Keys Steps to employ when engaging with an individual who is a victim of domestic

abuse and/or violence.

The 5 Keys Steps are:

1. Ask

2. Respond First Time

3. Take Action Early

4. Listen & Share

5. Understand

To find out more about the Domestic Abuse Policy—please visit your intranet pages.

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Anti-social Behaviour Team Conwy and Denbighshire

Who are we?

Our team sits under Safer Conwy (Managed by Sian Taylor) and we have two staff members:

Rhian Couling – ASB Co-ordinator (permanent staff – CCBC)

Linda Jones – ASB Officer (PCC funded) (Conwy & Denbighshire)

What do we do?

We work in partnership with North Wales Police and other partner agencies (including RSLs, NWFRS,

NPS, YJS, other CCBC departments) in dealing with complaints of anti-social behaviour that come in

directly from members of the public or are referred by partner agencies.

We deal with a wide range of issues from nuisance bird feeding and nuisance invasive plants to serious

cases of ASB involving violence, threats of violence, verbal aggression etc.

A lot of what we deal with involves neighbour disputes which although low level in terms of ASB the effect

is very high and utilises a lot of resources for both NWP & CCBC. Issues such as this are rarely brought to

Court for formal intervention but take up a lot of time and effort on the part of the Officers.

For example, we spent four hours with a family last week who have a serious problem with their neighbour

and are at the end of their tether, one has even tried to commit suicide. Neighbour disputes are perhaps

the most difficult to deal with as it is difficult to know which side is the aggressor – but the effects can be

devastating.

Tools and Powers

New powers and tools were introduced in October 2014 under the ASB Crime & Policing Act 2014. The

main changes include the introduction of the Community Protection Notice, Civil Injunction and cessation

of the ASBO. The new powers are designed with the victims of ASB in mind and intended to enable ASB

Officers to act more swiftly and effectively to reduce the risk of harm.

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Brief descriptions of main powers:

Community Protection Notice (CPN) - used to deal with any behaviour that is unreasonable, persistent

and continuing and affects the community. A breach of a Notice is a criminal offence and can be dealt with

by way of a fixed penalty or if prosecuted (Magistrates) a large fine not more than £2,500 for an individual.

It can also be used to enforce works to be done where the issues are of an environmental nature.

Civil Injunction - used to deal with individuals engaging or threatening to engage in conduct causing

nuisance or annoyance (housing related) or to prevent harassment, alarm or distress (non-housing

related). This is heard in the County Court and a breach is contempt of court. Power of arrest can be

applied where there is a threat of violence or a significant risk of harm to people.

Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) - replaces the CrASBO and can be applied for on the back of a

conviction. Breach is a criminal offence.

Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) - replaces Designated Public Place Orders (DPPO), Dog Control

Orders, Gating Orders - designed to prevent anti-social behaviour in public places. A breach is a criminal

offence and can be dealt with by way of fixed penalty or prosecution.

THE ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR TEAM CONWY & DENBIGHSHIRE

Where are we?

We are based in Colwyn Bay in the Civic Offices off Abergele Road and can be contacted on:

01492 575177 / 575956 / 07826 876970

rhian.couling@conwy.gov.uk / linda.jones2@conwy.gov.uk

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Example of Public Space Protection Order (PSPO):

Pont y Pair Bridge, Betws y Coed

There has been a very long-standing issue with people jumping from Pont y Pair bridge. The issue is the

associated anti-social behaviour of those participating, the traffic issues caused on the bridge, littering and

general disorder. A Bylaw prohibiting jumping has been in force for a number of years but has proved

difficult to enforce. A new PSPO is now in force and enables the offence to be dealt with on the spot by

way of Fixed Penalty Notice (previously dealt with by summons to Court):

1. That standing on, or jumping from, the parapet of Pont y Pair Bridge is prohibited

2. That jumping into the pool below the centre of Pont y Pair Bridge from any access point is prohibited

3. That swimming in the pool below Pont y Pair Bridge is prohibited

4. That consumption of alcohol is prohibited in the restricted area

Local Police Officers have been provided with Fixed Penalty books in order to deal with on the spot fines

for breach.

It is also hoped that Kingdom Officers working on behalf of Conwy County Borough Council will also be

able to issue tickets and provide a uniformed presence during peak times.

The new PSPO involved a joint consultation process with North Wales Police and the local community.

No objections were received about the new Order and its implementation was welcomed by residents and

businesses.

Measures have been introduced to prevent people causing harm

to themselves and the local community in Betws-y-Coed.

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“North Wales Police, Conwy County Borough

Council and the Community Council have been

working together for a number of years and

continue to meet regularly to tackle the issues

at the bridge," said Chief Inspector Jeff Moses.

"We believe the use of new powers in the

Public Space Protection Order will make a

difference and help us further tackle the

problem that causes concern to both local

residents and visitors to the area. Jumping off

the bridge is a dangerous activity, the

behaviour will not be tolerated and those who

choose to break the law will be fined."

He added: "We are grateful to the local school

children who have been helping us by

designing posters to discourage bridge

jumping and raise awareness of the problem.

The winning posters have been chosen and

will be displayed around Betws-y- Coed."

Extract: N Wales Police Online—News—09.07.15

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Delivering Information and Support to the Community

The Neighbourhood Watch Drop in Centre, Llandudno is a unique place providing residents with a wealth

of information on keeping safe. It is manned entirely by volunteers and people can call in to discuss any

concerns they may have about crime or anti-social behaviour over a cup of tea or coffee.

The Centre has now won a string of national awards for all its excellent work which is carried out by their

dedicated team of volunteers. These include:

Overall winner of Voluntary Organisation of the Year in the 'Conwy Voluntary Service Council wards'

category of the High Sheriff of Clwyd 2014 Community Awards

Runner up in the 'National Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network Awards 2014' Safer Neighbourhoods

for outstanding achievement, accomplishments and commitment to Neighbourhood and Home Watch

Highly commended for the 'Wales Volunteer of the Year Awards 2014' Wales Council for Voluntary Action

Certificates acknowledging outstanding contribution made by Peter Bradbury, Joanne Hillman and Louise

Roche to mark Volunteers week from 1-7 June 2014 presented by Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM First

Minister, Welsh Assembly Government

The team of Volunteers are also recognised by senior officers of North Wales Police for 'Good

Volunteering'

The volunteers, Peter, Joanne and Louise also recently took on the Ice Bucket Challenge raising valuable

funds for the Breast Cancer Campaign and Ty Gobaith.

A great deal of work goes on at the Centre as well as regular Surgeries held by Conwy Trading Standards

and North Wales Police.

The Neighbourhood Watch Drop in Centre, Llandudno is a unique place providing residents with a wealth of information on keeping safe.

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"One of a kind in the UK"

Ifan Hughes MBE, Divisional Crime Reduction Officer for North Wales Police said, 'Neighbourhood Watch

work in partnership with Conwy Community Safety Partnership, Conwy Trading Standards and North

Wales Police. The team at the centre is only one of a kind in the UK and the volunteers give invaluable

support. Without their dedication we wouldn't have the capacity to deliver the information and support to

the vulnerable in the community'.

The partnership recognises the significance, value and

contribution that volunteering makes to community

development

Many volunteers carry out a significant role at planned events—please find some photos from some

recent events which have included "Welfare Weekend" - British Red Cross volunteers worked alongside

North Wales Police and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to make the town of Rhyl a safer place

during the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The highly trained Red Cross team provided on-the-spot first aid and emotional support to local revellers

who become vulnerable and in need of assistance.

Pictured (L-R) Tobi Smith, Trading

Standards Enforcement Officer; Ifan

Hughes MBE, Divisional Crime

Reduction Officer for North Wales Police,

Joanne Hillman, Louise Roche, Peter

Hillman - NW Drop in Centre Volunteers

and Local PCSO Chris Perkins

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Volunteers

at Events

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Volunteers

at Events

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Future Newsletters…

Thank you for taking the time to read this first edition of our Newsletter.

If you have any comments please contact us.

Contact Us:

Community Safety Partnership

Sian Taylor

Rheolwr Diogelwch Cymunedol (Sir Conwy a Sir Ddinbych) /

Community Safety Manager (Conwy and Denbighshire)

Uned Diogelwch Cymunedol / Community Safety Unit

Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol CONWY County Borough Council

E-bost / E-mail:sian.taylor@conwy.gov.uk

Ffon / Phone: 01492 575190

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