Agenda item

A report of the City of London Police.

The City of London Police Superintendent Hector McKoy provided an update for the Group, noting that there had been an increase in violence without injury. The increase was a trend that was reflected in boroughs across London and included activity such as harassment and cybercrime. The City of London Police and the Community Safety Team had set up the Cybercrime Governors Board to deal with this. He went on to note that City Police Officers were looking at the problem of organised crime gangs stealing motor vehicles to order. The thefts were occurring within borderline areas and the City of London Police was working with the Metropolitan Police to combat this. In addition, he noted that there was an increase in pedal cycle thefts, the City of London Police had responded by creating a week-long event focusing on the safety of pedal cycles, activities would include bike marking and the Police were looking to employ Smart Water to invisibly mark property. A Member noted that there were a number of other businesses that provided similar services and emphasised the need for any contract to be value for money. The City of London Police Superintendent concluded by noting that it had been a good Christmas in terms of crime within the City of London.

In response to a question, the City of London Police Superintendent assured the Group that although violent crime was on the increase this was a national trend and the City of London rate was still relatively low compared to surrounding boroughs.

A Member sought clarification over what the threat level was in the City of London. The Group was informed that everyone should remain vigilant and that the City of London Police would be meeting later on that evening to clarify what the message to the public should be.

A Member requested that Domestic Violence statistics were included in future City of London Police reports. There was general support for this from the Group.

RESOLVED: That,

·         Domestic Violence statistics be included in City of London Police reports: and

·         the report be noted.

The Chairman left with the Deputy Chairman taking the Chair.