On 16 December we ran a public meeting at the Belgrave Centre. It was ably run by the local PCSO, George Bulter. The Neighbourhood Police Area Inspector was there, as was the beat Sergeant, the three ward councillors [Councillor Shital Adatia, Councillor Yogesh Chauhan and Councillor Jaiantilal Gopal] plus over twenty business owners.
PCSO Butler talked about the crime figures as reported to the police. 180 days to 5 December there have been 11 major thefts from shops [12 in same period last year]. Burglaries of shops there have been 13 in the same period this year [32 same period last year] and they have arrested the main suspect who is now in custody.
It is thought that the large scale thefts from shops are being carried out by an organised gang from London, but this has not yet been proven, nor have any arrests been made.
John from City Watch did a presentation on how shopkeepers can help to safeguard their properties, staff and customers by joining his organisation. He offers a servcie by which CCTV is linked to a central database so that the photos of suspects and convicted thieves can be shared - as well as other benefits.
Then much talk about prevention of thefts with layout of shops, sharing photos of miscreants [In many cases this contravenes data sharing legislation - though the details are rather vague it would seem].
the Inspector then made a plea for all crimes to be reported via 101 or online, not just the big thefts. She wants to build up an accurate picture of what is happening to businesses on the Belgrave, not just the big out-of-town gangs. Shopkeepers nodded but complained about the time consuming nature of the online reporting tool, plus the time taken to phone 101.
Sergeant said that the patrol plan of her officers follows reported crime stats, which is why it is important for all crimes to be reported.
It all seemed jolly positive and supportive of police action to date.
My thanks to PCSO Butler for organsing, to everyone else for turning up.,
