CHVRA member Peter Hodges brings you an update from the Safer Neighbourhoods panel.
The Hayes & Coney Hall Safer Neighbourhoods Panel held its quarterly meeting on 13 October.
Since the previous meeting in June, PC Matt Brown has joined the team. The team now comprises PS Laura Hunt, PC Francesca Miller-Lakin, PC Brown and PCSO Debra Pierce.
Following the resignation of the Chair of the Panel, a new Chair was appointed – Peter Hodges who represents Hayes & Coney Hall Village Residents Association.
It was agreed by the Panel members that during the next 3 months steps would be taken to try to expand the membership of the Panel to include representatives from local schools, businesses and other community groups.
Sergeant Hunt reported that during July, August and September officers were still being abstracted from the ward for other duties.
The team has targeted Antisocial Behaviour and Drug Use, with Hayes Common being a high priority for patrols. Officers have worked extra late hours shifts to address these issues.
The team has also focused on Motor Vehicle Crime and speeding, conducting a number of speeding operations and traffic stop operations. As Motor Vehicle Crime is occuring across Bromley Borough, it is now a borough wide priority. Bourne Vale, Heathfield Road and Layhams Road were highlighted as roads with speeding issues and are being monitored by the team.
Since the last meeting, a prolific shoplifter, who has been responsible for the majority of shoplifting in Hayes & Coney Hall, has been jailed.
During July, August and September, overall crime figures have been at a similar level: 25 to 27 per month.
Messages about crime or suspicious behaviour on WhatsApp groups are not always being reported to police. Residents are encouraged to do so, so the police can take action where required, and to help the team when bidding for extra resources. Without a true understanding of the situation, the police cannot allocate the correct resources to support the neighbourhood.
It was confirmed that there will be extra police patrols during the period of Halloween Night through to Bonfire Night.
Our local councillors are aware of the parking issues affecting the roads around Sparrows Den, Coney Hall Rec and Barnet Wood Road at weekends due to sporting activities and have asked the Borough Traffic Engineer to look into producing a coordinated approach.
The issue of late-night bonfires was raised and Councillor Coldspring-White said that residents with concerns can contact him.
The Panel agreed the following priorities for the next 3 months : –
- Theft of / Theft from Motor Vehicles
- Antisocial Behaviour – Vehicle / Drugs
- Burglary
Local initiatives will be undertaken to address speeding.
The next Panel Meeting will be held on Wednesday 27 January 2027.
