Doncaster Metripolitan Council
Councillors:
56
Wards:
22
Committees:
25
Meetings (2025):
88
Meetings (2024):
113
Meeting
Communities and Environment Crime & Disorder Overview and Scrutiny Panel - Doncaster
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Thursday, 20th February 2025
10:00 AM
Thursday, 20th February 2025
10:00 AM
End:
Thursday, 20th February 2025
2:00 PM
Thursday, 20th February 2025
2:00 PM
Actual Time
Started:
Wednesday, 19th February 2025
12:00 AM
Wednesday, 19th February 2025
12:00 AM
Finished:
Wednesday, 19th February 2025
12:00 AM
Wednesday, 19th February 2025
12:00 AM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
20 Feb 2025
20 Feb 2025
Location:
Council Chamber, Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BU
Council Chamber, Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BU
Meeting Attendees
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Adults, Wellbeing and Culture
Secretary
Senior Governance Officer
Christine Rothwell
Expected
Guest
UNISON
Jim Board
UNISON
Expected
Vice-Chair
Councillor Nigel Cannings
Apologies
Committee Member
Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Public Health
Committee Member
Councillor Aimee Dickson
Apologies
Committee Member
Councillor Debbie Hutchinson
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Emma Muddiman-Rawlins
Present, as expected
Committee Member
Councillor Thomas Noon
Absent
Agenda
0
A. Reports where the public and press may not be excluded.
0
For noting
1
Apologies for absence.
Minutes
2
To consider the extent, if any, to which the Public and Press are to be excluded from the meeting.
Minutes
There were no items where the public and press were to be excluded from the meeting.
3
Declarations of Interest, if any.
Minutes
There were no declarations of interest made at the meeting.
4
Minutes of the meetings held on 21st October 2024
Attachments:
- Document Minutes , 21/10/2024 Communities and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel 12 Feb 2025
Minutes
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 21st October 2024, be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
5
Public Statements
(A period not exceeding 20 minutes for statements from up to 5 members of the public on matters within the Panel’s remit proposing actions(s) which may be considered or contribute towards the future development of the Panel’s work programme).
Minutes
There were no public statements.
6
Crime and Community Safety update report
Attachments:
- Document Cover report - Crime and Disorder Committee OS update 20.02.25 12 Feb 2025
Minutes
The Committee gave consideration to the report and accompanying presentation that provided an update on the following Safer, Stronger Doncaster Partnership priorities:
· Reducing crime and reoffending;
· Reducing anti-social behaviour (including the City Centre);
· Tackling serious and organised crime;
· Tackling domestic and sexual abuse;
· Reducing violence and violent crime; and
· Reducing substance and alcohol misuse.
It was noted that overall crime had decreased during the period considered throughout the report in almost all crime types with a number of exceptions, as follows:
Crime Reduction figures:
Violence Against Person – 6.5%
Theft -11.9%
Public Order Offences – 14.8%
Burglary -12.5%
Arson and Criminal Damage -7.7%
Increase in Crime Figures;
Drug Offences +42.1%
Sexual offences + 12.2%
Vehicle Offence +4.6%
Bearing the above in mind and the information presented the following areas were addressed:
Increased number of crime in certain areas, for example drug and sexual offences – It was noted that in relation to the increase in numbers for these types of offences were driven by enforcement activity. For example, the more drug enforcement activity lead to an increase in crime recorded. It was reported that a covert drug operation had been undertaken over a two year period in the City Centre and led to over 100 people being charged with drug dealing offences with over 60 people receiving a prison sentence. The crime from this operation was recorded in 2024 and this and proactive methods being undertaken therefore contributed to the reported increase.
The second part of the drive against drug activity was led by the neighbourhood policing teams where issues relating to, for example, Cannabis growth were addressed.
With regard to sexual offences cohort, the reporting was very similar to other districts across South Yorkshire. The figures did not show a trend of any serial perpetrators and work had been undertaken with partners to ensure sexual offences were reported. During the support provided to victims an approach to reporting the crime was undertaken.
A Member stated that they appreciated the work being undertake across Doncaster’s wards, and this response highlighted the proactive work being undertaken, providing greater awareness within communities.
Daily Mail press article reporting Doncaster was the 2nd worst place for violence – in response to concern, it was explained that the report in the Daily Mail was not something South Yorkshire Police had been approached about to provide a response or information on. The Paper had used an interpretation of data available that was very complex using lower layer super output areas and quoted the Town Ward had this rate of offending, and narrowed down a small area of that ward, for example Silver Street. Comparisons of crime were then made on that area, over a period of time and undertaken a calculation per 1000 head of population, to provide the data within the article.
It was noted that South Yorkshire Police disputed this data, Members were aware the footfall and nighttime economy in that area and accepted there was occasional violence, but aware that there had been a marked decrease by one quarter in serious violence.
With regard to data comparison, beyond South Yorkshire region this could not be provided but for South Yorkshire crime he confirm that:
Overall crime rate reduction:
Doncaster 6%
Barnsley and Rotherham 3%
Sheffield 1%
Violence against a person rate reduction:
Doncaster 7%
Barnsley 7%
Rotherham 2%
Sheffield 4%
Burglary rate reduction
Doncaster 12%
Barnsley 5%
Rotherham 16%
Sheffield no change
Public Order offending rate reduction:
Doncaster 15
Barnsley 14
Rotherham 10
Sheffield 12
Arson and criminal damage rate reduction:
Doncaster 8%
Sheffield 9
The other South Yorkshires areas by 4% and 6 %
Drug recording offences - Doncaster had seen an increase by 42% and significantly more than other South Yorkshire areas but that was due to the bespoke activity across the area that had not been undertaken in other areas
Sexual offence increase was in line with other areas across South Yorkshire
Vehicle crime – moderate increase of 5% whereas across the region there had been a reduction. It was highlighted that this was generally driven by organised crime gangs from within and outside the area. Work was being undertaken with manufacturers to try and make vehicles more difficult to steal.
Theft offences – 12% reduction and with the exception of Rotherham other areas had seen a rise.
Operation Hawkeye – It was reported that this initiative identified the hotspots across key wards in South Yorkshire that were being impacted by residential burglary and for Doncaster it included Wheatley, Balby, Hexthorpe and Kirk Sandall. To address the issue long term activity and a greater focus had been placed on crime prevention including leaflet delivery, PCSO’s undertaking one to one consultation with communities and digital campaigning. There had been a reduction in burglary from combined targeted initiatives that had resulted in successful prosecution and prison sentences. South Yorkshire Police was currently analysing the most successful element before it was rolled out across a wider area.
Members were of the opinion that this had been a success for the areas identified and recognised there was further problem solving issues required to continue to reduce residential burglaries across other wards and hotspot areas.
Anti-social behaviour – in response to concerns relating to off-road bikes and the reduced nuisance reported, this was not the feeling in communities. It was the opinion that the nuisance was under reported including people’s fear to report. It was explained in response to this, across localities with partners, how to communicate with and report matters to the Police was being addressed in communities and to gain their trust.
To address the nuisance a number of initiatives had been undertaken to target people who used off-road bikes with regular deployment of the off-road bike and rural crime team. A pre-Christmas media campaign relating to the legality of using electric scooters and continued rural crime engagement events were undertaken.
The new CDC crime reporting system was due to go live in the next few weeks of the date of this meeting and would allow the increase to report locations where equipment is stored. The system would continue to assist storing information and building a wider crime picture with more enforcement activity being undertaken.
The legislation relating to off-road bikes was highlighted and changes required to support law enforcement. For example, a national registration process for off-road bikes to include electric scooters and bikes, allowing the Police to locate owners. The restriction on retailers for importing and selling these bikes because currently you can legally buy one but not legally use one, this would reduce the number being imported into the UK.
It was explained that the Police do not have the powers to enter a person’s home, so if a perpetrator goes into a property with the bike the Police could not follow, but could access outbuildings or sheds therefore were very limited with their powers if there was no other reason to enter someone’s home. The Police do have other powers to access a persons property but not just to seize an off-road bike. Pressure was therefore being applied to Central Government by South Yorkshire Police to develop legislation that was to assist with crime of this nature.
A Member of the Panel informed the meeting that a number of Councillors had requested a meeting with the Doncaster MPs to discuss this issue and fuel theft.
Reporting non-emergency crimes – in response to concerns relating to the reporting of non-emergency crimes and how that information was collated for future use, it was explained that South Yorkshire Police was currently developing a 1 page guide for Councillors to help constituents understand why they should be reporting all crime, on how the information was used and when and how information was acted upon. It was noted that the Police accepted they needed to improve how success stories were reported back to communities. The SSDP was also addressing how it could communicate positive news so that information was not circulated by just one organisation, including the use of the newsletter to all wards.
Frenchgate Centre – It was confirmed that an office had been made available for South Yorkshire Police to use as a base. It was noted that there was a pattern to anti-social behaviour in this area that was created by new cohorts of young people visiting the city centre, whether it be from education providers or to meet friends. The Police met with parents and young people to share information about certain behaviours and it was noted that early intervention and engagement was having a positive impact. It was acknowledged that offences were always dealt with appropriately.
In response to a query relating to the age range of people creating the highest level of ASB, it was explained that it was usually the 12 to 18 age bracket however, adults were more responsible for retail crime.
It was also explained that there was a small cohort of people who were regularly behaving in an unpleasant manner, always pushing boundaries to see what disruption they could create, with intervention being undertaken with those individuals to improve the environment they were creating. This could include building a case of evidence to use, for example, injunctions.
Aggressive begging – It was noted that a PSPO (Public Space Protection Order) was in place in the City Centre containing powers for South Yorkshire Police, British Transport Police and Council officers to address such issues. It was explained that outside the City Centre, aggressive begging also had an impact on retail premises with warning letters and Community Protection Orders available to address the position. The Police also had additional powers if required. The issue was being identified at local levels but addressed collectively as a partnership to put measures in place to address.
In response to general comments with regards to ASB and aggressive begging in the City Centre it was highlighted that everyone was frustrated with certain individuals’ behaviour but it was important that residents, businesses, Councillors and the general public report the issues to the Police and Council to ensure evidence gathering so appropriate methods could be used to tackle the situation. It was stressed that if the most prevalent offender was stopped then this filtered down to other less offenders. It was accepted that relaying the work being undertaken and actions to address the above issues to the public was something that could improve moving forward through the Thrive and Neighbourhood Model.
Safeguarding children from being tempted by organised crime groups (OCG) –It was explained that the City of Doncaster Council EPIC team undertake significant work within schools promoting change and “reaching your full potential” and also provided outreach work. Some of the work, included interactive sessions focused on avoiding children and young people being criminally exploited by OCG’s. Young people were able to report it if they were approached and then provided with support. The support mechanisms for both young people and parents whose children had been approached and unfortunately already connected to an OCG were available through partners, children’s services team and police criminal exploitation team.
Concern was also expressed by the Panel that this kind of activity could be seen to be very lucrative to young people who were not in employment but pleased to see the preventative work being undertaken in schools. It was clarified that when information was received about a young person being involved in OCG’s this was addressed at the multi-agency safeguarding groups and partnership task groups to address the individual cases and put mechanisms in place to help them find the right pathway away from this activity.
Stalking range of interventions – Members were informed that a dedicated page was available on the CDC website where regular communications were posted and support available through the Domestic Abuse Hub.
There were a range of legal protections available with regard to this crime, underpinned by two pieces of legislation, Protection from Harassment Act and Stalking Protection Orders.
In response to a question it was explained that there had not been an increase in behaviours relating sexual violent crime, but it was recognised that over time there was increased reporting. It was noted that 1 in 8 women had experienced some kind of violence or harassment and there were many factors driving the rise of reporting the crime. It was highlighted that the Children’s Safeguarding Board’s concern, with regard to the ready availability of pornography online, could drive adverse behaviours in young people that transitioned into later life.
Reducing substance and alcohol misuse – in relation to work undertaken with GP engagement, it was explained that a 6 week pilot had been undertaken through a Mexborough GP, offering patients who drank at harmful levels, access to a state-of-the-art Fibre scan. 65 patients had been identified, including men that were drinking in excess of 50 alcohol units per weeks and women in excess of 35 units per week, providing the patients with a better insight into the impact this was having on their health and therefore being provided support to improve the position. The Pilot was only in its early stages with analysis being undertaken as soon as the programme was complete. It was noted that the new facilities at Aspire complement the outreach physical offer. Relationships were continually being developed with individual GP practices across the City.
A Member reported that himself and another Councillor visited the public health bus where the Fibre Scanner was in use and was pleased to report there had been consultation with 50 people in one day. He continued to explain about the dangers of liver conditions, particularly women of a working age and facilities available. Due to the specialist areas raised, the Head of Service Place would asked the officer responsible for this area to contact the two councillors who raised this issue.
British Transport Police (BTP) Doncaster Station – In relation to partnership working with South Yorkshire Police, it was confirmed that in Doncaster there were good relationships, collaborative working and intelligence sharing through Neighbourhood Doncaster and BTP Sergeants. It was acknowledged that all relationships could improve and it would certainly assist when South Yorkshire Police had a base in the Frenchgate Centre near to where BTP officers were based.
Retail Crime – A Member expressed concern for shop owners and workers who had to face this crime on a daily basis. This included having to decide what products could be displayed on shelves and the impact it had on their businesses, particularly smaller independent retailers. It was explained that this would be one of the areas to receive specific focus through the SSDP sub- group due to the continuing a challenge.
Shoplifting in 2024:
Decrease by 10% across the City
Decrease by 25% in the Town Ward
Decrease by 38% in Hexthorpe area
Decrease of 64% in Conisbrough
Some areas had experienced a large increase in retail crime but this could possibly be due to a couple of retail establishments that had been targetted by a number of people. The data on retail could not be broken down into individual shops but noted that the incidents in the Frenchgate and large retailers drove demand for support.
It was noted that in Thorne a Shop Watch scheme had been established with a number of shop keepers to share intelligence and understand who were creating the issues. It was stressed that it would be good to see further schemes of this type rolled out across the City. The Increased use of Criminal Behaviour Orders against people who were persistently committing retail crimes, was acknowledged.
With regard to the crisis in prisons, when people were released early certain criminalities were driven by, for example, substance misuse. Problem solving plans were being established to tackle the root causes with individuals to stop offending behaviours.
It was clarified that in terms of sentencing powers at Court there was a monetary value placed on theft offences but in terms of a Police response to shops, there was no monetary value and the crime committed needed reporting and recorded. It was stressed that if the Police were not informed of a crime then they could not take action.
Home surveillance cameras – In response to a Member’s question, it was explained that people placing their own CCTV on social media was not breaking the law, but not always helpful when a crime had been committed. Any footage was invaluable to the Police to tackle burglary. CCTV would not cause a deterrent but gives an excellent opportunity to catch people who undertake these crimes.
Days of Action – these ranged in variety across local communities by Safer Neighbourhood Teams and a great opportunity for communities to become involved in many things, for example litter picks.
The more strategic partner operations addressing specific crimes would be agreed at a strategic level to tackle a range of crimes from off road bikes to anti-social behaviour. Any “Day of Action” would be held in community or City areas and linked to a communication campaign to ensure the results, for example, arrests or equipment seizure could be publicised.
Night-time economy – It was report that 25 licensed premised had signed up to the Best Bar None Scheme with a positive impact seen in staff training and accredited venues meeting minimum standards, with evidence and data being collected as time progressed.
Knife-Arch – it was explained that where these had been installed at numerous night-time venues by South Yorkshire Police across the region. It was highlighted that use of the equipment wasn’t just about how many arrests were made from people walking through but people who walked away when they see the Arch. Officers deployed recognised this behaviour and many arrests were made on the periphery of the said areas, not necessarily for knife crime but for carrying illegal substances, therefore there were a lot of wide benefits following use of the equipment.
It was reported that when the Knife Arch was used in the Frenchgate over 500 people went through the system and not one pinged on the recording machine but a number of people diverted from the area who were subsequently stopped and searched and nothing was found on that occasion but reiterated the volume of people that South Yorkshire Police could interact with was significant.
It was highlighted that a whole range of interventions were required to tackle knife crime, particularly Education in schools and communities to highlight the dangers to young people. It was reported that during the previous year’s reporting period there had been a 41% reduction in youth offending around knife crime and a 40% reduction in youth offending possession of general weapons and 33% reduction in youth offending around robbery.
Neighbourhood Policing – The South Yorkshire Police Chief Superintendent reported that the Government had discussed providing an uplift of funding to facilitate additional neighbourhood policing resources. South Yorkshire would receive £5m grant for this purpose and hopefully for the 4 areas would provide fully resourced neighbourhood policing within the next year. It was hoped that the 14 PC vacancies across the force would be filled with the posts maintained to retain the grant. Progress would be reported through ward meetings.
RESOLVED that:
1. the information received by the Panel, be noted.
2. The work being undertaken by South Yorkshire Police with regard to proposed legislation relating to off-road bikes, be supported.
NOTE: The Panel was made aware that Bill Hotchkiss was retiring and thanked him for his time and contribution whilst working for the City of Doncaster Council over the last 13 years.
· Reducing crime and reoffending;
· Reducing anti-social behaviour (including the City Centre);
· Tackling serious and organised crime;
· Tackling domestic and sexual abuse;
· Reducing violence and violent crime; and
· Reducing substance and alcohol misuse.
It was noted that overall crime had decreased during the period considered throughout the report in almost all crime types with a number of exceptions, as follows:
Crime Reduction figures:
Violence Against Person – 6.5%
Theft -11.9%
Public Order Offences – 14.8%
Burglary -12.5%
Arson and Criminal Damage -7.7%
Increase in Crime Figures;
Drug Offences +42.1%
Sexual offences + 12.2%
Vehicle Offence +4.6%
Bearing the above in mind and the information presented the following areas were addressed:
Increased number of crime in certain areas, for example drug and sexual offences – It was noted that in relation to the increase in numbers for these types of offences were driven by enforcement activity. For example, the more drug enforcement activity lead to an increase in crime recorded. It was reported that a covert drug operation had been undertaken over a two year period in the City Centre and led to over 100 people being charged with drug dealing offences with over 60 people receiving a prison sentence. The crime from this operation was recorded in 2024 and this and proactive methods being undertaken therefore contributed to the reported increase.
The second part of the drive against drug activity was led by the neighbourhood policing teams where issues relating to, for example, Cannabis growth were addressed.
With regard to sexual offences cohort, the reporting was very similar to other districts across South Yorkshire. The figures did not show a trend of any serial perpetrators and work had been undertaken with partners to ensure sexual offences were reported. During the support provided to victims an approach to reporting the crime was undertaken.
A Member stated that they appreciated the work being undertake across Doncaster’s wards, and this response highlighted the proactive work being undertaken, providing greater awareness within communities.
Daily Mail press article reporting Doncaster was the 2nd worst place for violence – in response to concern, it was explained that the report in the Daily Mail was not something South Yorkshire Police had been approached about to provide a response or information on. The Paper had used an interpretation of data available that was very complex using lower layer super output areas and quoted the Town Ward had this rate of offending, and narrowed down a small area of that ward, for example Silver Street. Comparisons of crime were then made on that area, over a period of time and undertaken a calculation per 1000 head of population, to provide the data within the article.
It was noted that South Yorkshire Police disputed this data, Members were aware the footfall and nighttime economy in that area and accepted there was occasional violence, but aware that there had been a marked decrease by one quarter in serious violence.
With regard to data comparison, beyond South Yorkshire region this could not be provided but for South Yorkshire crime he confirm that:
Overall crime rate reduction:
Doncaster 6%
Barnsley and Rotherham 3%
Sheffield 1%
Violence against a person rate reduction:
Doncaster 7%
Barnsley 7%
Rotherham 2%
Sheffield 4%
Burglary rate reduction
Doncaster 12%
Barnsley 5%
Rotherham 16%
Sheffield no change
Public Order offending rate reduction:
Doncaster 15
Barnsley 14
Rotherham 10
Sheffield 12
Arson and criminal damage rate reduction:
Doncaster 8%
Sheffield 9
The other South Yorkshires areas by 4% and 6 %
Drug recording offences - Doncaster had seen an increase by 42% and significantly more than other South Yorkshire areas but that was due to the bespoke activity across the area that had not been undertaken in other areas
Sexual offence increase was in line with other areas across South Yorkshire
Vehicle crime – moderate increase of 5% whereas across the region there had been a reduction. It was highlighted that this was generally driven by organised crime gangs from within and outside the area. Work was being undertaken with manufacturers to try and make vehicles more difficult to steal.
Theft offences – 12% reduction and with the exception of Rotherham other areas had seen a rise.
Operation Hawkeye – It was reported that this initiative identified the hotspots across key wards in South Yorkshire that were being impacted by residential burglary and for Doncaster it included Wheatley, Balby, Hexthorpe and Kirk Sandall. To address the issue long term activity and a greater focus had been placed on crime prevention including leaflet delivery, PCSO’s undertaking one to one consultation with communities and digital campaigning. There had been a reduction in burglary from combined targeted initiatives that had resulted in successful prosecution and prison sentences. South Yorkshire Police was currently analysing the most successful element before it was rolled out across a wider area.
Members were of the opinion that this had been a success for the areas identified and recognised there was further problem solving issues required to continue to reduce residential burglaries across other wards and hotspot areas.
Anti-social behaviour – in response to concerns relating to off-road bikes and the reduced nuisance reported, this was not the feeling in communities. It was the opinion that the nuisance was under reported including people’s fear to report. It was explained in response to this, across localities with partners, how to communicate with and report matters to the Police was being addressed in communities and to gain their trust.
To address the nuisance a number of initiatives had been undertaken to target people who used off-road bikes with regular deployment of the off-road bike and rural crime team. A pre-Christmas media campaign relating to the legality of using electric scooters and continued rural crime engagement events were undertaken.
The new CDC crime reporting system was due to go live in the next few weeks of the date of this meeting and would allow the increase to report locations where equipment is stored. The system would continue to assist storing information and building a wider crime picture with more enforcement activity being undertaken.
The legislation relating to off-road bikes was highlighted and changes required to support law enforcement. For example, a national registration process for off-road bikes to include electric scooters and bikes, allowing the Police to locate owners. The restriction on retailers for importing and selling these bikes because currently you can legally buy one but not legally use one, this would reduce the number being imported into the UK.
It was explained that the Police do not have the powers to enter a person’s home, so if a perpetrator goes into a property with the bike the Police could not follow, but could access outbuildings or sheds therefore were very limited with their powers if there was no other reason to enter someone’s home. The Police do have other powers to access a persons property but not just to seize an off-road bike. Pressure was therefore being applied to Central Government by South Yorkshire Police to develop legislation that was to assist with crime of this nature.
A Member of the Panel informed the meeting that a number of Councillors had requested a meeting with the Doncaster MPs to discuss this issue and fuel theft.
Reporting non-emergency crimes – in response to concerns relating to the reporting of non-emergency crimes and how that information was collated for future use, it was explained that South Yorkshire Police was currently developing a 1 page guide for Councillors to help constituents understand why they should be reporting all crime, on how the information was used and when and how information was acted upon. It was noted that the Police accepted they needed to improve how success stories were reported back to communities. The SSDP was also addressing how it could communicate positive news so that information was not circulated by just one organisation, including the use of the newsletter to all wards.
Frenchgate Centre – It was confirmed that an office had been made available for South Yorkshire Police to use as a base. It was noted that there was a pattern to anti-social behaviour in this area that was created by new cohorts of young people visiting the city centre, whether it be from education providers or to meet friends. The Police met with parents and young people to share information about certain behaviours and it was noted that early intervention and engagement was having a positive impact. It was acknowledged that offences were always dealt with appropriately.
In response to a query relating to the age range of people creating the highest level of ASB, it was explained that it was usually the 12 to 18 age bracket however, adults were more responsible for retail crime.
It was also explained that there was a small cohort of people who were regularly behaving in an unpleasant manner, always pushing boundaries to see what disruption they could create, with intervention being undertaken with those individuals to improve the environment they were creating. This could include building a case of evidence to use, for example, injunctions.
Aggressive begging – It was noted that a PSPO (Public Space Protection Order) was in place in the City Centre containing powers for South Yorkshire Police, British Transport Police and Council officers to address such issues. It was explained that outside the City Centre, aggressive begging also had an impact on retail premises with warning letters and Community Protection Orders available to address the position. The Police also had additional powers if required. The issue was being identified at local levels but addressed collectively as a partnership to put measures in place to address.
In response to general comments with regards to ASB and aggressive begging in the City Centre it was highlighted that everyone was frustrated with certain individuals’ behaviour but it was important that residents, businesses, Councillors and the general public report the issues to the Police and Council to ensure evidence gathering so appropriate methods could be used to tackle the situation. It was stressed that if the most prevalent offender was stopped then this filtered down to other less offenders. It was accepted that relaying the work being undertaken and actions to address the above issues to the public was something that could improve moving forward through the Thrive and Neighbourhood Model.
Safeguarding children from being tempted by organised crime groups (OCG) –It was explained that the City of Doncaster Council EPIC team undertake significant work within schools promoting change and “reaching your full potential” and also provided outreach work. Some of the work, included interactive sessions focused on avoiding children and young people being criminally exploited by OCG’s. Young people were able to report it if they were approached and then provided with support. The support mechanisms for both young people and parents whose children had been approached and unfortunately already connected to an OCG were available through partners, children’s services team and police criminal exploitation team.
Concern was also expressed by the Panel that this kind of activity could be seen to be very lucrative to young people who were not in employment but pleased to see the preventative work being undertaken in schools. It was clarified that when information was received about a young person being involved in OCG’s this was addressed at the multi-agency safeguarding groups and partnership task groups to address the individual cases and put mechanisms in place to help them find the right pathway away from this activity.
Stalking range of interventions – Members were informed that a dedicated page was available on the CDC website where regular communications were posted and support available through the Domestic Abuse Hub.
There were a range of legal protections available with regard to this crime, underpinned by two pieces of legislation, Protection from Harassment Act and Stalking Protection Orders.
In response to a question it was explained that there had not been an increase in behaviours relating sexual violent crime, but it was recognised that over time there was increased reporting. It was noted that 1 in 8 women had experienced some kind of violence or harassment and there were many factors driving the rise of reporting the crime. It was highlighted that the Children’s Safeguarding Board’s concern, with regard to the ready availability of pornography online, could drive adverse behaviours in young people that transitioned into later life.
Reducing substance and alcohol misuse – in relation to work undertaken with GP engagement, it was explained that a 6 week pilot had been undertaken through a Mexborough GP, offering patients who drank at harmful levels, access to a state-of-the-art Fibre scan. 65 patients had been identified, including men that were drinking in excess of 50 alcohol units per weeks and women in excess of 35 units per week, providing the patients with a better insight into the impact this was having on their health and therefore being provided support to improve the position. The Pilot was only in its early stages with analysis being undertaken as soon as the programme was complete. It was noted that the new facilities at Aspire complement the outreach physical offer. Relationships were continually being developed with individual GP practices across the City.
A Member reported that himself and another Councillor visited the public health bus where the Fibre Scanner was in use and was pleased to report there had been consultation with 50 people in one day. He continued to explain about the dangers of liver conditions, particularly women of a working age and facilities available. Due to the specialist areas raised, the Head of Service Place would asked the officer responsible for this area to contact the two councillors who raised this issue.
British Transport Police (BTP) Doncaster Station – In relation to partnership working with South Yorkshire Police, it was confirmed that in Doncaster there were good relationships, collaborative working and intelligence sharing through Neighbourhood Doncaster and BTP Sergeants. It was acknowledged that all relationships could improve and it would certainly assist when South Yorkshire Police had a base in the Frenchgate Centre near to where BTP officers were based.
Retail Crime – A Member expressed concern for shop owners and workers who had to face this crime on a daily basis. This included having to decide what products could be displayed on shelves and the impact it had on their businesses, particularly smaller independent retailers. It was explained that this would be one of the areas to receive specific focus through the SSDP sub- group due to the continuing a challenge.
Shoplifting in 2024:
Decrease by 10% across the City
Decrease by 25% in the Town Ward
Decrease by 38% in Hexthorpe area
Decrease of 64% in Conisbrough
Some areas had experienced a large increase in retail crime but this could possibly be due to a couple of retail establishments that had been targetted by a number of people. The data on retail could not be broken down into individual shops but noted that the incidents in the Frenchgate and large retailers drove demand for support.
It was noted that in Thorne a Shop Watch scheme had been established with a number of shop keepers to share intelligence and understand who were creating the issues. It was stressed that it would be good to see further schemes of this type rolled out across the City. The Increased use of Criminal Behaviour Orders against people who were persistently committing retail crimes, was acknowledged.
With regard to the crisis in prisons, when people were released early certain criminalities were driven by, for example, substance misuse. Problem solving plans were being established to tackle the root causes with individuals to stop offending behaviours.
It was clarified that in terms of sentencing powers at Court there was a monetary value placed on theft offences but in terms of a Police response to shops, there was no monetary value and the crime committed needed reporting and recorded. It was stressed that if the Police were not informed of a crime then they could not take action.
Home surveillance cameras – In response to a Member’s question, it was explained that people placing their own CCTV on social media was not breaking the law, but not always helpful when a crime had been committed. Any footage was invaluable to the Police to tackle burglary. CCTV would not cause a deterrent but gives an excellent opportunity to catch people who undertake these crimes.
Days of Action – these ranged in variety across local communities by Safer Neighbourhood Teams and a great opportunity for communities to become involved in many things, for example litter picks.
The more strategic partner operations addressing specific crimes would be agreed at a strategic level to tackle a range of crimes from off road bikes to anti-social behaviour. Any “Day of Action” would be held in community or City areas and linked to a communication campaign to ensure the results, for example, arrests or equipment seizure could be publicised.
Night-time economy – It was report that 25 licensed premised had signed up to the Best Bar None Scheme with a positive impact seen in staff training and accredited venues meeting minimum standards, with evidence and data being collected as time progressed.
Knife-Arch – it was explained that where these had been installed at numerous night-time venues by South Yorkshire Police across the region. It was highlighted that use of the equipment wasn’t just about how many arrests were made from people walking through but people who walked away when they see the Arch. Officers deployed recognised this behaviour and many arrests were made on the periphery of the said areas, not necessarily for knife crime but for carrying illegal substances, therefore there were a lot of wide benefits following use of the equipment.
It was reported that when the Knife Arch was used in the Frenchgate over 500 people went through the system and not one pinged on the recording machine but a number of people diverted from the area who were subsequently stopped and searched and nothing was found on that occasion but reiterated the volume of people that South Yorkshire Police could interact with was significant.
It was highlighted that a whole range of interventions were required to tackle knife crime, particularly Education in schools and communities to highlight the dangers to young people. It was reported that during the previous year’s reporting period there had been a 41% reduction in youth offending around knife crime and a 40% reduction in youth offending possession of general weapons and 33% reduction in youth offending around robbery.
Neighbourhood Policing – The South Yorkshire Police Chief Superintendent reported that the Government had discussed providing an uplift of funding to facilitate additional neighbourhood policing resources. South Yorkshire would receive £5m grant for this purpose and hopefully for the 4 areas would provide fully resourced neighbourhood policing within the next year. It was hoped that the 14 PC vacancies across the force would be filled with the posts maintained to retain the grant. Progress would be reported through ward meetings.
RESOLVED that:
1. the information received by the Panel, be noted.
2. The work being undertaken by South Yorkshire Police with regard to proposed legislation relating to off-road bikes, be supported.
NOTE: The Panel was made aware that Bill Hotchkiss was retiring and thanked him for his time and contribution whilst working for the City of Doncaster Council over the last 13 years.
7
Overview and Scrutiny work plan and the Council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions
Attachments:
- Document MASTER WORK PLAN FINAL 202425 12 Feb 2025
- Document Forward Plan 1 Mar 25 to 30 June 25 Cabinet 12 Feb 2025
Minutes
The Chair introduced the report to the Panel for information.
RESOLVED: that the report, be noted.
RESOLVED: that the report, be noted.
Previous Meetings
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