Agenda item

6.1       Reference from the Crime and Safety and Strong Communities Scrutiny Panel – Metal Theft

            A report from the Crime and Safety and Strong Communities Scrutiny Panel is attached. This identifies a number of recommendations following the scrutiny review into metal theft in Enfield. (Non key)

(Report No.21)

(8.20 – 8.30 pm)

6.1       Reference from the Crime and Safety and Strong Communities Scrutiny Panel – Metal Theft

Councillor Achilleas Georgiou (Deputy Leader of the Council) welcomed Councillor Mike Rye (Chairman of the Crime and Safety and Strong Communities Scrutiny Panel) to the meeting and invited him to present the report of the Scrutiny Panel to the Cabinet.

NOTED

1.         Members’ attention was drawn to the recommendations detailed in the report and it was noted that the report also included specific recommendations for the Metropolitan Police.

2.         that the Council had suffered significant financial losses due to metal theft from parks and of gullies. This was a national issue and had affected a number of councils.

3.         a discussion took place on the issues highlighted in the report and the proposals for future Council actions/responses as set out in the report’s recommendations.

4.         Councillor Bond (Cabinet Member for Environment) expressed his thanks to the Scrutiny Panel for the detailed piece of work which had been undertaken and the report which had highlighted issues for further Council consideration. In particular, the Council could consider secure storage for metal mechanical and grass cutting equipment over the winter period, and, future arrangements for the collection of white goods. In addition, it was noted that a new Licensing scheme was being introduced. Members suggested that a copy of this report and the actions being taken by the Council be sent to the Government Minister responsible for formulating the new guidelines.

5.         Ian Davis (Director – Environment) reported on the high value of the metal which had been the subject of theft and outlined the work which was being carried out within Highways. The recommendation with regard to parks equipment was being taken forward and it was noted that the Council’s new depot was CCTV enabled.

6.         In conclusion, Councillor Bond reported that a formal response on the report’s recommendations and the Council’s proposed actions would be provided to the Scrutiny Panel.

Members expressed their thanks to the Scrutiny Panel for their comprehensive review and report.

Alternative Options Considered: None.

DECISION: The Cabinet considered the recommendations detailed in the report and agreed to provide a formal response to the Scrutiny Panel on the following issues:

1.         when a new application for registration was received from an address where there was already a registration in place under a different surname; the system should automatically flag this as a potential issue for investigation;

2.         consideration be given to replacing existing metal at the end of its lifetime or when stolen with an alternative material, particularly in areas with low public or council footprint;

3.         the Council request that consideration be given by the Home Office for a new crime classification for metal theft and for this to be made a national requirement. This was to allow metal theft to be recorded as part of the standard report rather than being a searchable crime (subject to approval by English Heritage in areas with a conservation status). In addition the three Enfield MPs be asked to formally support this request;

4.         consideration be given to publishing an annual report on scrap metal dealers and itinerants flagging up examples of good and bad practice;

5.         during the winter period metal mechanical and grass cutting equipment not in use by parks  should be stored in a more secure location;

6.         the Council consider collecting white goods for free. The Council should consider using an incentive to encourage residents to use the Council to pick up white goods. This service should provide a date and time for collection to ensure that the goods were collected by the Council.

7.         that a copy of this report and the actions being taken by the Council be sent to the Government Minister responsible for formulating the new Licensing scheme guidelines for consideration.

Reason: To support the “Strong Communities” commitment from the Council’s manifesto. To provide strong community leadership and work in partnership with others to ensure Enfield is a safe and healthy place to live.

(Non key)