Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) Meeting 27th March 2024

Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) meeting

The SNT met on Wednesday 27th March.

In attendance were Inspector Pryal, PC Byrne, PCSO Ralph (Met Police), and Cllr. Thomas Turrell, Stephen Whittle (Hayes School), John Algar, John Wiltshire (KVRA), Peter Hodges (Coney Hall) and Stephen White (HKVA)

Apologies for absence received from PC Whitehead, Cllrs. Michael & Coldspring-White

KVRA

Concern was expressed about speeding traffic on Heathfield Road. This continues onto Baston Road and into Hayes. There followed a discussion about the options for solving this problem. Heathfield Road has recently been resurfaced.

Speed Warning Signs – Funding has been received for speed warning signs on Bourne Vale, Pickhurst Lane & Baston Road

Speed cameras – Tfl is responsible for all installations of speed cameras. A case would need to be made to them. Data is required to support a case and this is generally related to injuries and fatalities.

Speed monitoring – the Met Police will conduct speed watching in the Hayes area following the acquisition of more speed guns and training.

Hayes & Coney Hall

Information had been circulated, before the meeting, related to residents’ experiences of car theft, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

It was accepted that communications were very important and the idea of a public meeting soon was accepted. It was suggested that it be held in Hayes Village Hall. Further meetings could be considered at Keston Village Hall and the Assembly Rooms Coney Hall.

The Met Police will be organising Days of Action shortly, aimed at tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in Hayes.

The Met Police will also consider participating in the Monthly Street Surgeries on Station Approach held by local councillors.

The Met Police reported they were using a new reporting system, which combined several existing systems into one. 

In response to a question about robbery on trains, the Met Police confirmed they share information with BT Police.

Met Police

They explained that they operate on a 5-week schedule and that despite scheduling officers, they have to respond to situations as they arise. Inspector Pryal said she hopes to allocate a better police presence in the ward but this cannot be guaranteed (On the day of the meeting there was a knifing incident between Shortlands and Beckenham Junction stations which police needed to respond to immediately.)

In a discussion about gangs using the Hayes line to come to Hayes and commit crimes and then escape, it was reported that barriers at the Hayes station exit have been asked for.

There was some discussion about the use of CCTV. There is an installation on Station Approach but this does not seem to register at the control point. This needs to be looked at.

Stephen Whittle reported that staff were allocated to be at Hayes station after school to see that anti-social behaviour and crimes were not committed. They have been working in liaison with the police.

It was suggested that we should invite some younger people (sixth formers) to join the panel and this was felt to be a good idea. Mr Whittle will progress this.

It was suggested that the Met Police should participate on Facebook (Hayes Life) but there are some restrictions on them being able to do that.

It was agreed that more information and better communication between the authorities and residents was essential.

The Met Police had brought information with them and this is shown at the end of this report.

The priorities for the next period were agreed as

1. Robbery

2. Antisocial behaviour

3. Traffic speeding

The next meeting of the SNT will be on 20th June at 7:00 pm.