Agenda item

MATTERS ARISING –

Barbican Highwalk CCTV – A progress update was circulated to the Committee which advised that contact had been made with the City of London Police, Crime Investigation Directorate to establish levels of incidents over period of 1 – 3 years and this information was currently being collated for analysis. 

A further meeting had also taken place with Barbican Estate Officers regarding their understanding of the current situation.  CCTV has been discussed by the Barbican Estate Security Committee on a number of occasions with the outcome of the October 2012 meeting being:

“Recommendations & concluding thoughts -

•           No additional CCTV coverage is required at this time

•           No additional bins are required provided the level and frequency of the existing podium cleaning staff is maintained.

Although the Barbican Estate has low levels of most types of crime, this is not necessarily reflected in individuals’ perception of the risk of being a victim of crime.  The BESC believes it is important to ensure adequate maintenance of existing lighting levels and lines of sight along the podium walkways and all entrances to the Estate to reduce both the fear of crime and act as a deterrent to opportunistic crimes.  Measures to improve these should be considered in badly lit / obscured areas.  Furthermore, when building works impinging on access routes to the Estate / podium walkways are approved, lighting and security factors should be given due consideration to ensure adequate lighting / security during the carrying out of the works.  Consideration should also be given to improvements that may be required following the boarding up of vacant buildings on the Estate podium etc. which may adversely affect existing provision.”

Barbican Estate Security Committee

23 October 2012

The Committee noted that if the current crime data showed an increase in incidents or there was an increase in the perception of ‘fear of crime’ then options relating to CCTV may be explored.  This work could be co-ordinated by the Safer City Partnership, working with Barbican Estate Officers and Residents, the City of London Police and the Department of Built Environment.

A progress report would be brought back to the Committee at the appropriate time.

Appointment of Representatives to Sub Committees

RESOLVED – That,

1)    Nick Benstead-Smith be co-opted on to the Economic Crime Board for the ensuing year; and

2)      Dhruv Patel be co-opted on to the Professional Standards and Integrity Sub Committee for the ensuing year.