Police and Communities Together Meeting (PACT)

Monday, 25 January 2010

report from Cllr Lesley Jones of the meeting of 19th January

The first PACT meeting of the New Year was held last Tuesday the 19th January and was attended by members of the public and chaired by Sgt Chris Norbury. In addition a short talk was given by Nicola Walker on the work of Lifeline Calderdale.  Lifeline Calderdale was formerly known as HX2 and fronts two key initiatives for young people — Branching Out, a confidential alcohol and drug service for ages 10–21 years and Step2, a project for young people between the ages of 11 and 18 in the upper valley which aims to reduce anti-social behaviour and street drinking in the local area.

Lifeline will be opening a drop in centre in Hebden Bridge within the next couple of weeks. This will be open 5 days a week between the hours of 9:30 to 5 providing information and guidance and more details will be available via the press very shortly.

It was reported that St James’ Parish Church at Mytholm is currently open on Friday lunchtimes between 11:30 and 12:30 where people in need of hot soup with bread and a hot drink will be made especially welcome.

Sgt Norbury gave an update on the progress made with the priorities that had been agreed at the previous meeting.

• High profile policing was carried out in the town centre and the park up to and including the Christmas period.
• A drugs arrest was made for possession of cannabis following a car being stopped on Keighley Road. The car interior smelt strongly of the drug and the driver received a caution.
• One Public Order arrest was made as a result of a 22 year old female making threats on Hope Street.
• One man was arrested for being drunk and disorderly.
• One male adult was arrested following an assault on New Year’s Eve in St George’s Square.
• Regular checks were made to combat drink driving and speeding and one lady was stopped on Hangingroyd Lane and charged with driving whilst under the influence of alcohol.
• Steve Holderness, Crime Prevention Officer has visited the area at the end of Midgehole Road where there have been problems with theft from garages/damaged cars. 
• A letter drop has been carried out in the area giving crime prevention advice.
• Hi visibility patrols have been carried out in order to deter criminal activity
• No further reports have been made to the Police in the past six week period.

A total of 28 crimes have been recorded for this 6 week period which is very low and given the time of the year that the period covered, is a really good result.

There were no house burglaries during the period. However, damage has been caused to locks and gates at the coal merchants at Station Road and £200 worth of coal taken. Four vehicle log books plus one insurance document was taken from a garage on Valley Road. A house being renovated at Palace House Road was entered, possibly using a key, and a boiler was removed and stolen.

There were 8 reports of vehicle crime. Fuel was siphoned from a van parked on Wadsworth Lanes, tools had been stolen from a van parked on Station Road and damage caused to a number of cars throughout the area , ranging from a number of broken wing mirrors to broken lights and damage to a dashboard.

Other arrests of note included the arrest of a 21 year old following a domestic assault and criminal damage at Heptonstall. A 17 year old male assaulted a doorman at the Trades Club following a refusal of entry to the club. This matter is still being investigated.

An issue was raised about loud music and noise in the Victoria Road/Broughton Street area. Although the problem was being worked through with the help of CBMC Environmental Health, advice was asked for as to when it is appropriate to involve the Police. Sgt Norbury advised that if nuisance/disturbance is being caused then the Police have the power to request that the music/noise be turned down. Often the presence of a uniformed officer is sufficient for the request to be complied with. In addition the Police can also provide support by providing evidence if the matter ever needs to go to court.

Priorities for the next 6 week period were agreed as follows:-

• Work to reduce ASB at Westfield Old Town.
• Work to reduce ASB in the Broughton Street area.

It is proposed to combine these meetings in the future with the Calderdale Upper Valley Ward Forums, the next meeting of which is planned for the 10th March.  More details will be available nearer the time.

With thanks as usual to everyone who come and give their input to these very useful meetings.