(Title Image: ©Copyright Jaggery and licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons Licence)
Later this morning, Bridgend Council’s Corporate Scrutiny Committee will discuss what’s been done to improve community safety and community cohesion – both of which essentially mean low-level crime (pdf).
Anti-Social Behaviour
As many people reading this will remember there were a string of incidents over the summer of 2018 in Bridgend town centre – usually related to drugs and violence.
Particular concerns highlighted in the report include anti-social behaviour at Newbridge Fields and Bridgend Bus Station, rough-sleeping under the Rhiw bridge and drug use.
Some measures undertaken include day services and drop-in sessions for the homeless, South Wales Police’s Operation Chesapeake (anti-drugs stop and search, which resulted in 4 arrests) and work with town centre traders to encourage reporting of anti-social behaviour.
In the six months of April-December 2018, there were 1,220 recorded anti-social behaviour incidents – though only 4 cases resulted in a criminal behaviour order.
Domestic Violence
A one-stop shop for domestic violence victims has been set up at the Civic Centre (Assia Suite).
The numbers accessing domestic violence services have massively exceeded expectations, with 739 people contacting them until the third quarter of 2018-19, compared to an original estimate of 365 people using it a year. 265 people are receiving ongoing support and 99 people were identified as “high risk”.
Community Safety & Community Cohesion
The number of recorded suicides in Bridgend has fallen, from 20 in 2017 to 14 in 2018. The suicide prevention strategy is reviewed every 6 months.
Discussions are due to take place in the summer with a headteachers forum on a single school visit scheme for community safety in Bridgend to raise awareness of various issues amongst children.
What’s described as “a small team of community cohesion co-ordinators” will be set up in Bridgend in light of growing concerns that the far-right will take advantage of Brexit and threaten certain groups living in Bridgend.
