Agenda item

Violent Crime from Licensed Premises

Report of the City of London Police.

 

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the City of London Police regarding violent crime from licensed premises during the period 1 January to 25 March 2019.

 

·         The report covered a period of 84 days whereby there were 86 Violence Against Persons (VAP) offences in or outside Licensed Premises (17 offences in January, 41 in February and 28 in March) reflecting an increase in this crime type. This was mostly stranger assaults.

 

·         Members were advised that there was an increasing trend for crime within not just the City but the UK as a whole.

 

·         It as noted that there had been an increase in thefts in the City, the majority being opportunist thefts on the floor of premises. The COL Police have been working on a campaign against distraction thefts engaging with the public and premises to raise awareness.

 

·         A misprint of the peak hours for VAP offending was noted which should have stated 12-1am.

 

·         It was noted that statistics elsewhere reflected that crime numbers were going down, not up as this report advised. Members questioned whether there were any themes to support the increase in crime. Members were advised that it was difficult to source the specific social issues as the Square Mile was a unique area, but Brexit and pressures in the City were offered suggestions for the recent rise in crime.

 

·         A Member queried whether the number of licensed premises were increasing. Members were advised that there had been a gradual increase, especially in the last two years, but this was slowing down with approximately 60-70 new premises applications received every quarter; however, this coincided with approximately 50-60 premises transferring or closing.     

 

·         In response to a query regarding whether the Late Night Levy reflected an increase in premises staying open later, Members were advised that the Levy had remained constant but it was dependent on the tax band of the premises.

 

·         It was noted that there was a spike in crime in February which went down in March which may have been attributed to the unusually warm weather in February. The COL Police would continue to monitor this over the next few months.      

 

RECEIVED.

 

Supporting documents: