West Hill

Motor Vehicle Crime

Scanning
Analysis of crime reports, intelligence submissions, and community concerns has identified motor vehicle crime as a recurring issue within the ward. Offences include theft of motor vehicles, theft from motor vehicles, and vehicle interference. Hotspot locations have been identified, particularly in residential areas, car parks, and streets where vehicles are left unattended overnight.
Analysis
Review of crime patterns shows offences are primarily occurring during evening and night-time hours. Common factors include insecure vehicles, valuables left on display, and offenders targeting specific makes and models. Intelligence suggests both opportunistic offending and organised criminal activity are contributing to the problem. Repeat locations and victims have been identified, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and enforcement activity.
Response

Conduct targeted high-visibility and plain-clothed patrols in identified hotspot locations.
Work with neighbourhood officers, response teams, and partner agencies to identify and disrupt offenders.
Deliver crime prevention advice through community engagement events, social media, and leaflet drops, encouraging vehicle security measures.
Utilise intelligence-led operations, ANPR, and stop-search powers where appropriate to deter and detect offending.
Engage with local businesses, residents, and car park operators to improve security and reporting of suspicious activity.

Assessment
Success will be measured through:

Reduction in recorded motor vehicle crime compared to the previous 12-month period.
Reduction in repeat victimisation and hotspot offending.
Increased intelligence submissions relating to vehicle crime offenders.
Positive community feedback regarding perceptions of safety and police visibility.
Identifiable enforcement outcomes, including arrests, charges, and disruption of offenders involved in vehicle crime.

Priority Aim:
To reduce motor vehicle crime across the ward through a combination of targeted enforcement, offender management, crime prevention initiatives, and community engagement, making the ward a less attractive environment for vehicle crime offenders.

Anti-Social Behaviour

Scanning
Anti-social behaviour has been identified as a significant concern within the ward through police reports, partner agency referrals, community intelligence, and feedback from residents. Issues include youth-related ASB, street drinking, nuisance vehicles, noise complaints, and groups congregating in public spaces causing harassment, alarm, or distress to local communities.
Analysis
Review of incidents identifies recurring ASB hotspots, particularly around parks, shopping areas, residential estates, and transport hubs. Peak demand is typically during evenings, weekends, and school holidays. Analysis indicates a small number of repeat offenders and locations contribute disproportionately to reported incidents, negatively impacting community confidence and perceptions of safety.
Response

Conduct targeted high-visibility patrols in identified ASB hotspot locations during peak times.
Engage with individuals involved in ASB, utilising appropriate intervention and enforcement powers where necessary.
Work closely with local authority ASB teams, housing providers, schools, youth services, and other partner agencies to address underlying causes.
Develop and utilise problem-solving plans for repeat offenders and locations.
Conduct community engagement events, ward walks, and social media campaigns to gather intelligence, reassure residents, and promote reporting.
Consider the use of Community Protection Warnings/Notices, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, Criminal Behaviour Orders, and other relevant legislation where appropriate.

Assessment
Success will be measured through:

Reduction in recorded ASB incidents across the ward.
Reduction in repeat calls relating to identified hotspot locations.
Improved community confidence and resident satisfaction.
Increased partner agency engagement and problem-solving outcomes.
Positive enforcement and diversionary outcomes for individuals involved in ASB.

Priority Aim
To reduce anti-social behaviour across the ward through partnership working, targeted enforcement, early intervention, and community engagement, improving public confidence and ensuring residents feel safe within their neighbourhoods.

Shoplifting

Scanning
Shoplifting has been identified as a growing concern within the ward, with a notable increase in reported offences over recent months. Local retailers, businesses, and community members have raised concerns regarding the impact of retail crime on staff safety, business viability, and community confidence. Repeat offending and associated criminality have been highlighted through crime reports and intelligence submissions.
Analysis
Crime and intelligence analysis identifies a number of repeat offenders responsible for a disproportionate number of offences across the ward. Incidents are concentrated around key retail locations and shopping areas, with offending occurring throughout the day but increasing during peak trading periods. Shoplifting is often linked to substance misuse, acquisitive crime, and organised retail offending, requiring a combination of enforcement and partnership interventions.
Response

Conduct targeted high-visibility patrols in retail hotspots, particularly during peak offending times.
Develop intelligence packages on prolific offenders and utilise offender management tactics to disrupt criminal activity.
Work closely with retailers, store security staff, Business Crime Reduction Partnerships, and partner agencies to improve intelligence sharing and evidence gathering.
Pursue positive outcomes for offenders through robust investigations, use of CCTV, and timely suspect identification.
Promote the use of crime prevention measures and encourage prompt reporting of offences by businesses.
Consider the use of Criminal Behaviour Orders and other relevant enforcement measures against persistent offenders.

Assessment
Success will be measured through:

Reduction in recorded shoplifting offences compared to the previous reporting period.
Increased detection and positive outcome rates for shoplifting offences.
Identification and disruption of prolific offenders.
Improved engagement and confidence among local retailers.
Reduction in repeat offending and repeat victimisation of retail premises.

Priority Aim
To reduce shoplifting and associated retail crime within the ward through targeted enforcement, proactive offender management, effective partnership working, and increased engagement with local businesses, improving safety and confidence within the retail community.