High Street SNT Ward Panel MINUTES 1st March 2022

Meeting held Online

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Attendees:

1. Philip Herlihy, (Campbell Road, Chair, Minutes)
2. PC Tom Beckett
3. PC Lucy Brock
4. PC Roy Dunsford
5. Helen Jackson (Cleveland Park Ave)
6. Jason Bell (Waltham Forest Council ASB team)
7. Jacquie Sheehy

Apologies for Absence

• Alice Taylor-Rugman
• Due to technical difficulties, Vicky Grandon was delayed admittance to the meeting, and Maya Walker was unable to join. We apologise for this.

Introduction

• Meeting guidelines were shared
• Minutes - Philip (Chair) volunteered

Actions & Matters Arising

1. Essex Close car park - Asad & Jason to discuss
2. Ward Panel "Governance" - Asad & Philip to discuss
3. Use of Mall offices - Thomas to negotiate

Police Report & discussion

Officers presented a Team Briefing, which can be seen here.

• Robberies: No real pattern; seemingly opportunistic when victims not aware of surroundings (Nb. Mobile phone use). Often commute time or after school, school students often targeted. Offender profile: late teens/twenties. Clustered on High St and Coppermill Lane, often using bikes, escaping to Hackney via marina. Operation "Preens" addressing this - team officers are bike trained and equipped.
• Violence against the person: half of these are 'domestic' (not broken down further).
• Street Harassment of women & girls. Video recommended viewing. Opportunities available to walk with a female PC - how to get people to participate? Jason (WF ASB team) to circulate female ASB officers about this. Officers distributing leaflets with more information, and engaging with female residents on the High Street.
• ASB: levels have fallen to half former levels. Possibly due to warnings from the team. Former offenders/suspects still being seen, but not apparently causing problems recently.
• McDonalds issued with CPW (Community Protection Warning) and have employed security guards during "after school" period, and excluding non-customers.
• Delivery riders are being checked for insurance, and the team is working with delivery companies.
• Essex Close: The problem car has been removed. The team (including the WF ASB team) have made many visits at many different times, including use of an unmarked police vehicle. During this period no potential suspects have been observed. One problem individual previously discussed has been identified, and is to be followed up by Jason (WF ASB). An additional (untaxed) vehicle has been removed - suspicious, but not known to be associated with crime.
• Drugs: A lot of crime and gang activity is believed still to be related to drugs. Mainly cannabis, some Class A. One dealer arrested for possession of Class B - does not live on ward. Suspect premises being monitored.
• Good news: Two (!) lives saved through officers giving CPR. Bike-riders (formerly thought to be a nuisance) had alerted officers to the casualty. Stop & Search: three knives found.
• Operation Moontwist: (sex workers) - including safeguarding. Many premises checked. Modern slavery not thought to be an issue where activity detected (two premises). Several national origins, including British.
• Twitter: now over 1,000 followers. @MPSWalthamstow
• Animals: rescued a stray dog, and a swan (!).
• Staffing: Abstractions are reducing: more staff for patrol. Marion joins the team as a new officer expected to stay for 2 years or more.

Any Other Business

1. Discussed a startling TV depiction (fiction) of corrupt officers (Liverpool)
2. Discussed the resignation of the Commissioner.

Ward Priorities Agreed

1. Robbery
2. Violence against Women and Girls
3. Drugs

Next meeting

Update: Wednesday 26th Oct, 6.30pm Market Office

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