Agenda item
Presentation by Sudbury SNT
Sergeant Lorraine Warren from the Sudbury Safer Neighbourhood Team will attend to discuss issues relating to the security of the park and surrounding area.
Minutes:
Sgt Lorraine Warren and PC Paul McCauley introduced themselves to the meeting. Sergeant Warren reported in the past year there had been 20 crime incidents recorded around the park, the year before 24 and the before that 18. These mainly related to possession of drugs from stop and search; there were also two robberies and two theft from persons. These figures showed that the level of crime in and around the park was not too serious for such a large open space. She mentioned the proposed location of the outdoor gym and expressed a concern that located within a dip in the park meant it could not be seen clearly. Sgt Warren stated that her and PC McCauley had walked through the park at 6pm that evening and were struck by how dark it was.
A view was submitted that a lot of single men and groups of men tended to congregate in the park on Sunday mornings and some people found this intimidating. Sgt Warren replied that they would ensure they patrolled the park at this time when they were on duty. Mention was also made of the absence of the gardener in the park following an attack on him. He had provided some re-assurance to people using the park. It was confirmed that the Safer Neighbourhood Team now only comprised Sgt Warren and PC McCauley
PC McCauley reported on some wider activities that had taken place in the area. This had involved taking action regarding road traffic issues/offences. Two drugs related warrants had been carried out and of the two burglaries carried out one perpetrator had been caught. He added that incidents of anti social behaviour were generally dealt with through outreach work.
In response to being asked if the Council could do anything to assist with crime prevention in the area, the police representatives stated that areas of the park were very dark and might benefit from the provision of some lighting. They also agreed to provide regular updates to the Trust Committee and were always happy to speak at other community meetings.
It was suggested that key contact numbers could be displayed on the noticeboards in the park but it was recognised that the noticeboards first needed repairing.
The Chair thanked Sgt Warren and PC McCauley for their attendance.
The Chair referred back to the comments regarding the proposed location of the outdoor gym. Following further discussion on this it was confirmed that the chosen location should be confirmed.
RESOLVED:
(i) that updates to the Trust Committee from the Safer Neighbourhood Team be programmed in to future meetings;
(ii) that the suggestion made for provision of lighting in parts of the park be considered and a report on the matter be submitted to a future meeting;
(iii) that the location of the outdoor gym as agreed at the meeting of the Trust Committee on 8 September 2015 be confirmed;
(iv) that repairs to the noticeboards in the park be carried out and key contact information be posted on them.