A steep increase in crimes recorded by the police in and around High Barnet during the last 12 months -- and especially since the start of the year -- is a matter of real concern says the group that monitors the response of the town's Safer Neighbourhood Team.
Worries about the rising crime rate are also reflected in a residents’ survey conducted by the panel of local representatives that works through the Community Action Plan established by the Metropolitan Police.
Mahender Khari, CAP chair for the High Barnet ward – see above – said the level of anxiety indicated in the survey was no surprise given the latest statistics.
In the 12 months up to the end of January this year there had been a 3 per cent increase in reported crimes but in January alone the crime rate had gone up by 18 per cent.
When the figures were discussed at the latest CAP meeting, Mr Khari said that the Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers told them that she too was alarmed by the rise.
During the 12-month period there had been 265 thefts; 169 incidents of violence against the person; 110 offences involving theft of vehicles or contents; 64 burglaries; 51 public order offences; 38 reports of arson or criminal damage to residential or business properties; 15 sexual offences; and 7 cases of possession of offensive weapons, including knives.
Overall, the number of reported offences per 1,000 residents in High Barnet ward had risen from six to 18.
Mr Khari said the rising crime rate reflected the economic uncertainty with some people having very restricted incomes, hence the growing number of thefts.
“I was alarmed by the figures, so was my committee as well as our MP.
“We urged the police officers in the Safer Neighbourhood Team to recognise the level of public concern and to work with the teams in the adjoining wards to share intelligence and step up the response rate.”
To gauge local opinion about the impact of rising crime, the committee had conducted an online questionnaire in which 117 residents participated.
Top concern among residents was burglary (38); drug dealing (19); theft of vehicles or contents (18); anti-social behaviour (13); and fly tipping (12).
“Another worrying indicator was that 11 per cent of the residents were uneasy about law and order in and around the town centre and High Street during the evening, especially around closing time.
“The two hot spots for anti-social behaviour were around McDonalds and the pedestrian crossing from Barnet College, across the High Street in front of the parish church, where some residents felt intimidated by the number of students and young people.”
Since becoming chair of the High Barnet panel, a year ago, Mr Khari’s priority has been to increase and improve contact between the community and four officers in the High Barnet Safer Neighbourhood Team.
Contact points are arranged and advertised and Mr Khari – seen here with police community support officer Richard Celeste – was present for a meeting with residents in Chipping Barnet Library.
There are separate SNT teams of police officers for Underhill and Barnet Vale and currently they are all based at High Barnet police station.
