Agenda item

To receive a report from Detective Inspector Chris Skelt.

Detective Inspective Chris Skelt introduced his report on knife crime in Enfield. The report covered the problem profile, MPS comparisons, trends, offence breakdown, hotspots and plans to tackle the issue.

The following points were raised:

·       The majority of victims are Afro-Caribbean; aged between 15-19 years old and injured as a result of GBH with intent rather than robbery or other offences.

·       Peak offending times are Wednesdays at 3pm and late Saturday early Sunday morning.

·       Knife injury victims across the MPS, Enfield are in the top three worsening Borough’s by volume looking at volume difference comparison. In Enfield in the rolling year this has meant an increase of 42 victims. In June 2017 Enfield has seen a reduction of 20% in offences compared to June 2016. 30.3% of these offences were Gang related.

·       Comparing knife injury victims over 25 years old on the same volume basis Enfield is 10^th across the MPS with an increase of 17 victims in the rolling year. 17.7% of offences were Gang related.

·       Trends showed a clear spike in May which included 2 murders; numbers have reduced in June and July as at the time of the meeting.

·       Total knife crime in Enfield in the rolling 12 months shows an increase of 16.5% equating to 69 victims, under 25’s over this period shows an increase of 97.8 equating to 37 victims, Under 25’s comparing June 2016 to June 2017 shows a -33% decrease equating to 3 less victims.

·       The key locations with hotspots show Edmonton Green as the busiest ward and Hertford Road as the busiest street.

·       Details of habitual knife carriers were provided these are those people who have been previously charged with knife crime offences.

·       The work to tackle gangs in Enfield is ongoing and is making a difference. A recent police operation targeting one of the main gangs resulted in many of the senior leaders being charged or remanded.

·       The suspected reason for the increase in knife crime is an unstable drugs market. This is thought due to the successful work with gangs in the borough with less gang related knife crime; very few victims are willing to either report or assist police investigations into their injuries, and police intelligence also suggests disputes over drug territories.

·       The report detailed the work being undertaken and the Enfield Knife Crime Plan summary including Operation Bremont and the MET wide Operation Sceptre. In Enfield we also proactively seek to use Section 60 search powers, this has been used 5 times in the last year, more than any other borough in the MPS. This power must be sanctioned at borough commander level and must be intelligence led with evidence to support. This allows police the power to search a specific area and anyone in this area based on the fact that they are in the area.

The following questions and comments were taken:

Q: Does the Council have any powers over its tenants if their children commit serious crimes?

A: Yes the Council does have powers if they are in social housing.

Q: What work is done with parents to educate them and assist them in taking responsibility?

A: A digital and paper campaign aimed at parents and working with the Parent Engagement Panel is about to start targeting parents in Enfield. This will include signs for them to look out for and details of where they can go to seek support.

Q: Knife arches and wands in schools is it possible to go into all schools rather than just particular ones

A: Yes all schools including academies have agreed to this following a meeting at the Head Teachers Forum.

Q: Do GP’s report stabbings?

A: Chris was not aware of any but is aware that domestic violence is reported by GP’s

Q: Can any knife be carried?

A: No knives can be carried for self-defence, those with blades under 3 inches maybe carried for use as a tool only.