Agenda item

Report of the Chief Superintendent, City of London Police.

Members received a report of the Chief Inspector, Communities and Partnerships, City of London Police, in respect of Operation Luscombe, which had been developed to tackle begging.   Member noted that, in the City of London Corporation, 90% of beggars were not rough sleepers.  During the discussion and questions the following points were noted:

·        The first Criminal Behaviour Oder (CBO) for 3 years  had been issued for begging.  Although rehabilitation could not be enforced, the individual had engaged with services as a result.  Officers asked to be kept advised of any future CBOs.  The Police stressed that, whilst CBOs were a  resort, sometimes enforcement was the only option available to safeguard an individual and members of the public.

·        The hub was most effective when it opened every two weeks and officers were looking at permanent locations.

·        There was a new British Transport Police (BTP) Inspector in post at Liverpool Street and collaborative work was continuing.  The Chairman asked if the Inspector could be invited to the next meeting. 

·        The National Standard of Incident Report, as set by the Home Office, placed rough sleeping and begging in the same category. 

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted.