Agenda Document Pack - Police and Fire and Rescue Committee - 07/02/2023
North Ayrshire Council · 7 February 2023
Back to Police and Fire and Rescue Committee — 7 February 2023 and its agenda
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE Police and Fire and Rescue Committee A Meeting of the Police and Fire and Rescue Committee of North Ayrshire Council will be held in the Council Chambers, Ground Floor, Cunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EE on Tuesday, 07 February 2023 at 14:00 to consider the undernoted business. Meeting Arrangements - Hybrid Meetings This meeting will be held on a predominantly physical basis but with provision, by prior notification, for remote attendance by Elected Members in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 2003. Where possible, the meeting will be live-streamed and available to view at https://north-ayrshire.public- i.tv/core/portal/home. 1 Declarations of Interest Members are requested to give notice of any declarations of interest in respect of items of business on the Agenda. 2 Minutes The accuracy of the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 November 2022 will be confirmed and the Minutes signed in accordance with Paragraph 7 (1) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (copy enclosed). 3 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Performance and Service Update Submit report by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service on performance in relation to the North Ayrshire Local Fire and Rescue Plan (copy enclosed). 4 Police Scotland Performance Update Submit report by Police Scotland on performance in relation to the North Ayrshire Local Policing Plan (copy enclosed). 1
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE 5 Local Police Plan 2023-26 Submit report by the Head of Service (Democratic) in relation to the Local Police Plan 2023-26 (copy enclosed). 6 Elected Member Briefings: The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 and Operation Moonbeam Submit report by the Head of Service (Democratic) in relation to (i) legislation on the provision of fireworks; and (ii) North Ayrshire’s approach to Operation Moonbeam (copy enclosed). 7 Urgent Items Any other items which the Chair considers to be urgent. Webcasting Please note: this meeting may be filmed/recorded/live-streamed to the Council's internet site and available to view at https://north-ayrshire.public- i.tv/core/portal/home, where it will be capable of repeated viewing. At the start of the meeting, the Provost/Chair will confirm if all or part of the meeting is being filmed/recorded/live-streamed. You should be aware that the Council is a Data Controller under the Data Protection Act 2018. Data collected during the webcast will be retained in accordance with the Council’s published policy, including, but not limited to, for the purpose of keeping historical records and making those records available via the Council’s internet site. Generally, the press and public seating areas will not be filmed. However, by entering the Council Chambers, using the press or public seating area or (by invitation) participating remotely in this meeting, you are consenting to being filmed and consenting to the use and storage of those images and sound recordings and any information pertaining to you contained in them for webcasting or training purposes and for the purpose of keeping historical records and making those records available to the public. If you do not wish to participate in a recording, you should leave the meeting. This will constitute your revocation of consent. If you have any queries regarding this and, in particular, if you believe that use and/or storage of any particular information would cause, or be likely to cause, substantial damage or distress to any individual, please contact dataprotectionofficer@north-ayrshire.gov.uk. 2
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North Ayrshire Council, Cunninghame House, Irvine KA12 8EE Police and Fire and Rescue Committee Sederunt Donald Reid (Chair) Nairn McDonald (Vice-Chair) Scott Davidson Scott Gallacher John Glover Jean McClung Davina McTiernan Donald L. Reid Angela Stephen John Sweeney Chair: Apologies: Attending: 3
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Police and Fire and Rescue Committee 14 November 2022 IRVINE - At a Meeting of the Police and Fire and Rescue Committee of North Ayrshire Council at 2.00 p.m. involving participation by remote electronic means and physical attendance within the Council Chambers, Irvine. Present (Physical Participation) Donald Reid, Nairn McDonald, Scott Davidson, Jean McClung, Davina McTiernan and John Sweeney. Present (Remote Attendance) John Glover. In Attendance W. Turpie, Senior Manager (Waste Operations) (Place); R. Lynch, Senior Manager (Legal Services), Claire Cochrane, Solicitor (Legal Services), D. McCaw and H. Clancy, Committee Services Officers (Chief Executive’s Service). Also In Attendance Chief Superintendent F. Hussain and Police Inspector S. Dougan (Police Scotland); Area Commander I. McMeekin, and Group Commander S. Nesbit (Scottish Fire and Rescue Service). Chair Councillor Donald Reid in the Chair. Apologies Donald L. Reid and Angela Stephen. 1. Declarations of Interest There were no declarations of interest by Members in terms of Standing Order 11 and Section 5 of the Code of Conduct for Councillors. 2. Minutes The Minutes of the Meeting of the Audit and Scrutiny Committee held on 15 August 2022 were confirmed and the Minutes signed in accordance with Paragraph 7 (1) of Schedule 7 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973. 3. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Performance and Service Update Submitted report by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) which provided information on progress against the North Ayrshire Local Fire and Rescue Plan for the period 1 April 2022 – 30 September 2022. Appendix A to the report provided an analysis of the performance across six indicators, using the rolling three-year average as a basis of measuring performance. The Strategic Plan for the period 2022-2025 was detailed at Appendix B to the report. Agenda Item 2 5
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The statistical information identified a 7.3% decrease in activity levels across the local authority when compared to the corresponding period in 2021. A further review of the three-year average indicated a 0.3% decrease in overall operational activity during a similar timeframe. Data on false alarms accounted for 56.3% of all demand within North Ayrshire, with fire related and special service activity accounting for 30.5% and 13.2% respectively. Updates were also provided in relation to publication of the Strategic Plan for the period 2022-2025, the appointment of Ross Haggart as Interim Chief Officer of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, pre budget scrutiny evidence provided to the Criminal Justice Committee on the organisation’s planning assumptions for the period 2022/23-2026/27, work with partners to deliver programmes and initiatives to support the safety of local residents during the period 4-6 November 2022 and the recent successful visit to the National Training Centre, Cambuslang, Glasgow and the Command and Control Centre in Johnstone. Members asked questions and were provided with further information in relation to:- • the provision of updated Ward information to correspond with the launch of the new Strategic Plan; • the variations within Wards relative to unwanted fire alarm signals; • heightened instances of deliberate fire setting within the Stevenston area; and • community engagement and partnership working in place to tackle deliberate fire setting. Councillor Glover intimated a question from a Local North Coast Member regarding willful fires in the North Coast area. The Chair asked Councilor Glover to have the Local Member email the question to the Chair and this would be processed and a response provided. The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the Group Commander for the informative visit to the Fire and Rescue National Training Centre and Operations Control Centre. Noted. 4. Police Scotland Performance Update Submitted report by Police Scotland on performance in relation to the North Ayrshire Local Policing Plan for the period 1 April 2022 - 30 September 2022 together with an overview of performance for year end 2021/22. A summary of current local policing plan priorities was also detailed. The report provided information on North Ayrshire’s performance, including a 0.5% decrease in the total number of crimes. The report further outlined progress in the areas of serious crime, safer communities, acquisitive crime, community wellbeing, road safety and public confidence with additional context being provided by Chief Superintendent Hussain to the meeting. Members asked questions and were provided with further information in relation to:- 6
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• young people accessing vaping equipment which would be monitored by Campus Officers; • partnership working to deal with instances of reckless parking and vehicle obstruction; • reporting and monitoring in connection with assaults on retail workers; • the slight increase in transphobic hate crimes and plans to monitor incidents; • potential under-reporting relating to instances of fraudulent emails, texts and phone calls; • instances of violence with regard to public transport; and • plans in place to target instances of serious crime and violence. The Chair, on behalf of the Committee, thanked the Chief Superintendent for the informative visit to the Police Scotland C3 Division in Glasgow. The Committee was then provided with verbal updates from the Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland and the Council’s Streetscene Service in relation to Operation Moonbeam, Police Scotland’s national response to a variety of offences and incidents arising in relation to Bonfire Night. Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service jointly patrolled streets and the Council’s Streetscene Service provided early identification of bonfire locations in order that material at some sites could be safely removed. It was highlighted that the planned events at Kilwinning, Dreghorn and in the Three Towns were well attended and well organised. The Council’s Streetscene Service was praised by the Committee in relation to the clear up across North Ayrshire following Bonfire night. The Committee agreed (a) that the Senior Manager, Legal Services prepare a Briefing Note on (i) Legislation surrounding the provision of fireworks; and (ii) Operation Moonbean, including information from Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Streetscene, for circulation to Members and also for addition as an item to the Agenda for the next meeting of the Committee; and (b) otherwise, to note the content of the report. 5. Urgent Items In terms of Standing Order 10.8, the Chair agreed that the following item be considered as urgent to allow a response to be submitted by the 16 November 2022 deadline. 5.1 Local Police Plans: A Framework for Scrutiny The Senior Manager, Legal Services, advised the Committee on a request from COSLA for feedback on the draft framework in connection with the development of COSLA-SPA Police Scrutiny Guidance for Elected Members prior to it being considered by the COSLA Community Wellbeing Board and presented to the COSLA Scrutiny Conveners Forum. 7
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The Committee was advised that the framework would be expanded upon and adapted as appropriate at Local Authority level in recognition that local scrutiny arrangements vary across the country. Councillor McDonald, seconded by Councillor McTiernan moved to remit to the Senior Manager, Legal Services, in conjunction with the Chair, to finalise the response in terms of the draft framework for submission to COSLA by the deadline of 16 November 2022. There being no amendment the motion was declared carried. The meeting ended at 3.30 p.m. 8
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Page | 1 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Police & Fire and Rescue Committee – 7 February 2023 Subject Performance Report and Service updates Purpose To advise members of the Police and Fire Committee as to progress against North Ayrshire’s Local Fire and Rescue Plan and to provide committee members with other key Fire and Rescue Service updates Recommendation For members to note the information contained within this report 1. Introduction 1.1 The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is legally obliged to produce Local Fire and Rescue Plans for all 32 local authorities across Scotland. The Local Fire and Rescue Plan for North Ayrshire was developed and, following a public consultation, was presented to North Ayrshire Council for formal approval. 1.2 The priorities contained within the current North Ayrshire Local Fire and Rescue Plan were formally approved at the full Council. The continuation of these priorities has been agreed for the 2022/23 period, via the Police & Fire and Rescue Committee, and will be subject to ongoing monitoring via this forum. 2. Performance Summary 2.1 An analysis of operational responses across North Ayrshire for the period 1 April to 31 December 2022 identified a 1.9% decrease in activity levels when compared to the previous fiscal reporting period. A further review of activity over the rolling three years average indicates a 1.7% increase in operational demand over the agreed recording period. 2.2 In reviewing operational activity on a broader level, false alarms accounted for 58% of all demand, with fire related and special service activity accounting for 25.4% and 16.6% respectively. 2.3 For the period 1 April to 31st December 2022, overall progress is being monitored across six indicators, utilising the three-year rolling average as a basis of measuring performance. Year on year and the rolling five-year average figures are also used to review short and long terms changes in demand and trends.8 2.4 Utilising the defined approach in Section 4.3, review of performance against these indicators identified one is above and five are below the three-year average. Agenda Item 3 9
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Page | 2 2.5 Further analysis of this performance is provided within the accompanying performance report [Appendix A]. 3. SFRS Updates 3.1 The SFRS has conducted a review of its high reach vehicle deployments across Scotland. As a result of this review, it has been confirmed that a total of 14 high reach vehicles will now be deployed across the country, with one of these being located within the Ayrshire region. This will ultimately result in the combined aerial rescue pump, based at Ayr Community Fire Station, being removed and replaced with a frontline responding appliance. High reach cover for the Ayrshire area will now be provided from the appliance based at Kilmarnock Community Fire Station. 3.2 The Fire Brigades Union has balloted its members for industrial action as a result of rejecting the most recent 5% pay offer from the National Joint Council (employers). This ballot will close at the end of the month of January. The SFRS has developed a series of business continuity measures to enable a form of response to be provided to local communities across Ayrshire should members of the Fire Brigades Union decide to vote for industrial action. 3.3 The SFRS hosted a ‘Conservation Station’ competition to help change internal organisational cultures in support of the climate change emergency. This contest took place over a six-month period and included all 365 community fire stations and other buildings across Scotland. This resulted in the following collective savings being made across the country: • 536 tonnes of carbon emissions • 2.6 million kwhr in energy • £152,000 in energy costs Ayr Community Fire Station in South Ayrshire was identified as being the top performing community fire station within the wholetime duty system category; with Dalry in North Ayrshire being recognised as being the best achieving community fire station within the on-call duty system group. 3.4 The SFRS is currently advertising for a new Chief Officer. It is anticipated that this process will be concluded by the end of March 2023. 4. Proposal It is proposed that members of the Police & Fire and Rescue Committee: a) Note the contents of the performance summary and associated report for the period 1 April to 31 December 2022. b) Note the SFRS updates. 10
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Page | 3 5. Implications 5.1 No implications have been identified at this time in respect of service delivery within North Ayrshire. 6. Conclusion 6.1 Fire and Rescue Service activity is subject to regular monitoring and review by North Ayrshire Council’s Police & Fire and Rescue Committee. The contents of this document, and accompanying performance report, forms part of this monitoring process. 6.2 Members of the Police & Fire and Rescue Committee will be kept up to date on progress against the Local Fire and Rescue Plan and to any future fire and rescue service updates as they arise. Area Commander Ian McMeekin Local Senior Officer East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire and South Ayrshire Scottish Fire and Rescue Service For further information please contact Area Commander Ian McMeekin 01294 606811 11
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North Ayrshire Performance Report 1st April 2022 - 31st December 2022 12
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North Ayrshire Performance Report Table of Contents Local Fire and Rescue Service Plan Priorities 3 North Ayrshire Activity Summary 4 Domestic Safety - Accidental Dwelling Fires 5 Domestic Safety - Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties 6 Unintentional Injury and Harm 7 Deliberate Fire Setting 8 Non-Domestic Fire Safety 9 Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals 10 Prevention & Protection 11 Retained Duty System 11 Glossary of Terms 12 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 2 13
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10 0 9 46 1 23 2 0 1 0 1 32 16 1 8 58 1 82 4 0 5 26 0 8 4 0 9 53 4 94 9 0 8 70 0 113 8 2 4 44 2 63 20 2 17 11 6 46 13 0 6 98 7 99 86 5 67 406 22 560 -23% -71% 6% -15% -4% 6% -9% -10% -3% -6% -14% 4% -5% -6% -6% -5% -7% 3%5 Year Average Change North Coast & Cumbraes Saltcoats & Stevenston Total Incidents Year on Year Change 3 Year Average Change Kilbirnie & Beith Kilwinning Accidental Dwelling Fires Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties Unintentional Injury and Harm Deliberate Fire Setting Non-Domestic Fire Safety Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Ardrossan & Arran Dalry & West Kilbride Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Local Fire and Rescue Service Plan Priorities The Local Fire and Rescue Service Plan has been developed to set out the priorities and objectives within NorthAyrshire and allows our local authority partners to scrutinise the performance outcomes of these priorities. We will continue to work closely with our partners in North Ayrshire to ensure we are all “Working Together for a Safer Scotland” through targeting risks to our communities at a local level. The plan has been developed to complement key partnership activity embedded across North Ayrshire's Community Planning Partnership. Through effective and co-ordintated partnership working we will seek to deliver continuous improvement in our performance and effective service delivery in our area of operations. The Local Fire and Rescue Plan for North Ayrshire identified six areas for demand reduction and is subject to regular monitoring and reporting through the Police & Fire and Rescue Committee. A summary of the priorities and current activity is detailed below with further detail and analysis contained within this performance report. About the statistics within this report The activity totals and other statistics quoted within this report are published in the interests of transparency and openness. They are provisional in nature and subject to change as a result of ongoing quality assurance and review. Because all statistics quoted are provisional there may be a difference in the period totals quoted in our reports after local publication which result from revisions or additions to the data in our systems. The Scottish Government publishes official statistics each year which allow for comparisons to be made over longer periods of time. Activity levels have reduced by more than 5% Activity levels have reduced by up to 5% Activity levels have increased overall Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 3 14
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North Ayrshire Delivery Activity Summary Hour (am) Total Hour (pm) Total Midnight 48 Mid-day 115 1am 46 1pm 104 2am 42 2pm 114 3am 20 3pm 146 4am 37 4pm 150 5am 34 5pm 163 6am 34 6pm 172 7am 72 7pm 148 8am 88 8pm 152 9am 121 9pm 130 10am 109 10pm 72 11am 122 11pm 48 28% 16% 57% 25% 17% 58% Fires Special Services False Alarms Incidents by Classification Annual Ratio 3 Year Ratio 24.40% 23.18% 11.90% 8.98% 6.36% 4.75% 4.14% 3.53% 1.74% 1.39% 1.35% 1.18% 0.96% 0.78% 0.74% False Alarm (UFAS) False Alarm (Dwelling) Outdoor Fire False Alarm (Good Intent) Refuse Fire Special Service - Effecting… Dwelling Fire Special Service - Flooding Special Service - RTC Other Building Fire Special Service - Assist other… Special Service - No action (not… Other Primary Fire Special Service - Lift Release False Alarm (Equipment) Top 15 Incident Types by % of Total Incidents 584 fires primary & secondary special services 381 false alarms 1,330 4% totalnumber of incidents 2,295 -2% -26% fire casualties 5 -71% non-fire casualties 67 14% 6% 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11121314 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 00 Activityby Time of Day 63.33%RDS availability Home Fire Safety Visits Carried Out 711 Fire Safety Audits Carried Out 235 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 4 15
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-23% -9% -5% Main Source of Ignition Year on Year 3 Year Average 5 Year Average Domestic Safety - Accidental Dwelling Fires Domesti 114 119 115 98 111 86 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 PerformanceSummary Accidental Dwelling Fires to Date Detection Present 91% 95% Detection Actuated Calls Made via Linked Alarms 22% Automatic Detection & Actuation 10 2 16 4 4 9 8 20 13 Ardrossan & Arran Dalry & West Kilbride Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilbirnie & Beith Kilwinning North Coast & Cumbraes Saltcoats & Stevenston 8.6 1.6 12.7 3.6 2.6 6.8 4.6 12.4 9.9 Ardrossan & Arran Dalry & West Kilbride Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilbirnie & Beith Kilwinning North Coast & Cumbraes Saltcoats & Stevenston Incidents Per 10,000 Population - North Ayrshire Human Factors Accidental Dwelling Fires by Ward Area Alcohol/DrugImpairment Distraction Incidents Per 10,000 Population - Ayrshire 5.3 6.3 5.9 5.9 East Ayrshire North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Ayrshire Severity of Accidental Dwelling Fires No Firefighting Action Direct Firefighting 42% 16% 77% 9% 6% 3% 1% 0% 0% 0% Not applicable Item 1st ignited Room of origin Floor of origin Limited to 2 floors More than 2 floors Whole building Whole Roof Extent of Fire Damage 26% 6% Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 5 16
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-71% -10% -6% Year on Year 3 Year Average 5 Year Average Domestic Safety - Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties 0 0 0 0 00 0 1 2 1 0 - 9 10 - 19 20 - 49 50 - 79 80+ 10 25 9 16 17 5 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 Unintentional Injury or First Aidat Scene Hospital Serious Injuries Hospital Slight Injuries 1 Fatal Injuries 1 PerformanceSummary Accidental Dwelling Fire Casualties Year to Date Extent of Harm Age / Gender Profile Casualties Per 10,000 Population - North Ayrshire Fire Casualties by Ward Area 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 2 0 Ardrossan & Arran Dalry & West Kilbride Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilbirnie & Beith Kilwinning North Coast & Cumbraes Saltcoats & Stevenston 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.05 0.03 0.00 Ardrossan & Arran Dalry & West Kilbride Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilbirnie & Beith Kilwinning North Coast & Cumbraes Saltcoats & Stevenston Casualties Per 10,000 Population - Ayrshire 0.90 0.37 0.62 0.62 0.00 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80 1.00 East Ayrshire North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Ayrshire 0% 100 3 1 1 2 Breathing difficulties Asphyxiation Burns – slight Other medical condition Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 6 17
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6% -3% -6% Year on Year 3 Year Average 5 Year Average Unintentional Injury or Harm 0 6 8 16 5 0 0 12 13 7 0 - 9 10 - 19 20 - 49 50 - 79 80+ Slight Injuries 91 128 73 59 63 67 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 Deliberate PerformanceSummary Special Service Casualties Year to Date Age / Gender Profile 7.8 0.8 6.3 4.5 6.0 6.0 2.3 10.5 4.6 Ardrossan & Arran Dalry & West Kilbride Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilbirnie & Beith Kilwinning North Coast & Cumbraes Saltcoats & Stevenston Extent of Harm Non-Fire Casualties by Ward Area 9 1 8 5 9 8 4 17 6 Ardrossan & Arran Dalry & West Kilbride Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilbirnie & Beith Kilwinning North Coast & Cumbraes Saltcoats & Stevenston Casualties Per 10,000 Population - North Ayrshire Non-Casualties Per 10,000 Population - Ayrshire 3.3 4.9 6.0 4.7 East Ayrshire North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Ayrshire 52% 48% First Aidat Scene Hospital Serious Injuries 12 31 Fatal Injuries 4 1 Hospital Slight Injuries Road Traffic Collision Water Rescue Assisting Other Agencies 54% 1% 36% All Other Incidents 9% Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 7 18
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-15% -8% -5% Year on Year 3 Year Average 5 Year Average Deliberate Fire Setting 522 547 518 369 476 406 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 522 547 518 369 476 406 0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 All Deliberate Fires Non PerformanceSummary Deliberate Fires Year to Date Deliberate Fires by Classification Deliberate Fires Compared to Operational Activity Incidents Per 10,000 Population - North Ayrshire 39.8 0.0 45.9 23.3 35.1 52.6 25.3 6.8 74.4 Ardrossan & Arran Dalry & West Kilbride Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilbirnie & Beith Kilwinning North Coast & Cumbraes Saltcoats & Stevenston Deliberate Fires by Ward Area 46 0 58 26 53 70 44 11 98 Ardrossan & Arran Dalry & West Kilbride Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilbirnie & Beith Kilwinning North Coast & Cumbraes Saltcoats & Stevenston Slight Injuries Incidents Per 10,000 Population - Ayrshire 28.2 29.9 16.2 25.2 East Ayrshire North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Ayrshire 8% 11% 8% 11% 6% 7% 92% 89% 92% 89% 94% 93% 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 Primary Secondary Secondary Fire Ratio by Activity Type 36% 64% Refuse Other Secondary Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 8 19
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-4% -14% -7% Year on Year 3 Year Average 5 Year Average Non-Domestic Fire Safety 77% 18% 5% Accidental Deliberate Not Known 2 2 3 2 1 1 7 2 Public Utilities Retail Education Non-Residential Residential Unwanted PerformanceSummary Non-Domestic Fires Year to Date Non-Domestic Fires by Nature of Origin Incidents Per 10,000 Population - Ayrshire Non-Domestic Fires by Premises Type Incidents Per 10,000 Population - North Ayrshire 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.0 2.6 0.0 1.2 3.7 5.3 Ardrossan & Arran Dalry & West Kilbride Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilbirnie & Beith Kilwinning North Coast & Cumbraes Saltcoats & Stevenston Non-Domestic Fires by Ward Area 1 1 1 0 4 0 2 6 7 Ardrossan & Arran Dalry & West Kilbride Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilbirnie & Beith Kilwinning North Coast & Cumbraes Saltcoats & Stevenston 1.4 1.6 1.2 1.4 East Ayrshire North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Ayrshire 32 37 32 18 23 22 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 12 3 5 1 1 Not applicable Limited to item 1st ignited Limited to room of origin Limited to floor of origin Roof space and other floors Limited to 2 floors (not… Extent of Fire Damage Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 9 20
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6% 4% 3% Year on Year 3 Year Average 5 Year Average Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals 476 481 493 467 529 560 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 UFAS Percentage Against all False Alarms Performance Summary Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals Year to Date Incidents Per 10,000 Population - North Ayrshire 19.9 25.1 64.9 7.2 62.3 84.9 36.2 28.5 75.2 Ardrossan & Arran Dalry & West Kilbride Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilbirnie & Beith Kilwinning North Coast & Cumbraes Saltcoats & Stevenston 1,751 1,847 1,750 1,710 1,908 1,787 25% 26% 29% 22% 25% 28% 0%0 300 600 900 1,200 1,500 1,800 2,100 2,400 2017/18 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 All Incidents UFAS Activty UFAS Percentage Against all Incidents 1,030 1,042 47% 47% 50% 41% 48% 49% 0%0 300 600 900 All False Alarms UFAS Activty Home Fire Safety Visits Unwanted Fire Alarms Signals by Ward Area 23 32 82 8 94 113 63 46 99 Ardrossan & Arran Dalry & West Kilbride Irvine East Irvine South Irvine West Kilbirnie & Beith Kilwinning North Coast & Cumbraes Saltcoats & Stevenston Incidents Per 10,000 Population - Ayrshire 40.8 41.2 49.9 43.7 East Ayrshire North Ayrshire South Ayrshire Ayrshire 21% 15% 11% 8% 8% Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals - Top 5 Premises Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 10 21
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10.60% 70.59% 52.84% 46.17% 122 62:13:31 9 650% 16.21% 70.95% 60.72% 50.89% 314 164:55:34 13 1000% 7.16% 67.03% 36.54% 37.91% 111 58:23:44 8 625% 51.39% 82.33% 81.58% 72.86% 228 139:31:04 13 1125% 35.26% 31.14% 39.31% 35.40% 178 91:37:18 8 675% 75.09% 81.73% 75.75% 77.53% 233 133:01:25 11 850% 24.13% 52.27% 27.83% 34.82% 61 30:21:18 7 525% 98.86% 99.70% 96.84% 98.39% 57.82% 79.80% 25.97% 53.24% 95.48% 96.59% 91.41% 94.33% 48 30:23:46 8 800% 96.39% 96.79% 92.57% 95.10% 39 27:38:39 9 825% 51.67% 74.10% 61.94% 63.33% 70.18% 96.28% 90.41% 86.36% Mon - Thu (18:00 - 08:00) Weekend (Fri 18:00 - Mon 08:00) Total Lamlash North Ayrshire Ayrshire Total Mobilisations Total Time Deployed Largs Skelmorlie Millport -1 Millport - 2 Brodick Ardrossan Dreghorn Dalry Beith Kilbirnie Appliance Availability Mon - Fri (08:00 - 18:00) No. of Personnel Contracts 21 13 1225%13:04:03 Home Fire Safety Visits Home Fire Safety Visits Carried Out Percentage of HighRisk Home Fire Safety Visits Carried Out Percentage of Visits Carried Out Following Attendance at an Incident 711 31% 45% Top 5 Premises Smoke Detectors Fitted During Home Fire Safety Visits 631 Fire Safety Audits Carried Out 235 New Audits 86% Post Fire Audits 8% Complaint Audits 1% Re-Audits 2% 7% 90% 3% 0% 0% Broadly Compliant Areas of Improvement Notice of Deficiencies Enforcement Notice Prohibition Notice Fire Safety Audits Retained Duty System Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 11 22
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90% Glossary of Terms Term- What it means ADF Accidental Dwelling Fire CSET Community Safety Engagement Toolkit is a internal IT system used to record home fire safety visits and community safety activities FSET Fire Safety Experiential Training is a bespoke training programme developed by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service in Ayrshire and delivered to community planning partners to raise awareness of fire safety within the domestic environment HFSV Home Fire Safety Visit PDIR Post Domestic Incident Response, a term used by Prevention and Protection Directorate to indicate actions taken following attendance at a fire or other incident in the home. PDIRs include amongst things the offer of a free follow-up home fire safety visit Primary Fires These include all fires in buildings, vehicles and outdoor structures or any fire involving casualties, rescues or fires attended by five or more appliances RDS Retained Duty System. Professional on call firefighters who may have other primary employment responsibilities outside the Fire and Rescue Service but respond to emergency calls within their local area as and when required RTC Road Traffic Collision Secondary Fires These are the majority of outdoor fires including grassland and refuse fires unless they involve casualties or rescues, property loss or fire or more appliances attend. They include fires in single derelict buildings Special Service Calls to incidents which are not fires or false alarms such as RTCs, rescues, flooding, incidents involving hazardous materials or the provision of assistance to other agencies UFAS Unwanted Fire Alarm Signals. When an automatic fire detection and alarm system is activated as a result of anything other than an actual fire the activation is classed as a false alarm. If an attendance is made to such an event by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, then the event is recorded as an UFAS incident Scottish Fire and Rescue Service | North Ayrshire Performance Report 12 23
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 1 North Ayrshire Performance Summary Report - Q3 2022/23 Reporting Period: 01/04/2022 - 31/12/2022 Total Crime 8,585 Crimes -4.3% Incidents Recorded 27,393 -14.7%* 3.0% 1,185 Violence/Homicide Drug Supply -13.6% 47 Sexual Crime -0.4% 225 -9.9%* 89 Hate Crime ASB -25.0%* 5,560 Domestic Abuse -8.4%* 727 Housebreaking -39.6% 130 Robbery -17.8% 24 Fraud 49.0% 230 Speeding 6.2% 379 Drink/Drug Driving 29.2% 177 Note: All percentage figures are based on the 5-year average with all data based on Management Information which may be subject to change. *5-yr Average is locally produced and not MI Agenda Item 4 25
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 2 Introduction This document has been compiled to look at the quarterly data available for North Ayrshire. The report will be based on the areas of focus identified within the Local Policing Plan agreed with the Local Authority. The ‘Plan on a Page’ document is available on Page 3, this provides details of the areas Police Scotland have agreed to report on. The following list of contents provides an overview of the items included in this report: TOPIC SECTION PAGE Local Policing Plan Plan on a Page 3 Serious Crime Violence/Homicide Drug Supply Sexual Crimes 4 5 6 Safer Communities Domestic Abuse Hate Crime Antisocial Behaviour 7 8 9 Acquisitive Crime Housebreaking/Fraud Robberies 10 11 Community Wellbeing 12 Road Safety - Drink/Drug Driving Speeding 13 14 Public Confidence User Satisfaction Survey Complaints 15 16 Glossary of Terms 17 26
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 4 SERIOUS CRIME—Violence/Homicide Analytical Context: Overall violent crime is currently showing an increase of 3.0% on the 5-year average, due primarily to the increae in Minor Assaults. There have been no murders in the reporting period, however there have been nine attempted murders, all of which have been detected. There have been no further attempted murders between October and December 2022. Serious assaults have reduced this year with 52 crimes recorded at the end of Q3 compared with 61 last year and a 5-year average of 67. Detection rates have improved and are currently up at 78.8% compared to 73.8% last year. Twenty of these crimes have taken place within the home with eight being domestic related. 23 of the crimes have noted alcohol consumption as a potential factor. Eleven of the victims were female. Minor assaults on members of the public are recording slightly higher numbers, compared with last year and the 5-year average (see chart below). Notably, 29 assaults on retail workers have been recorded by the end of Q3. The current detection rate is 64.1% which is above the figure last year (61.0%) but slightly lower than the 5-year average (64.2%). Minor Assaults on Emergency workers are currently above the 5-year average, but below the figure for last year. Local Action/Context: The vast majority of crimes occur within the context of persons who are known to each other or otherwise already involved in existing criminality with little community impact or risk to communities more widely. Deployment of specialist resources to investigate violent crimes continues to support the rise in detection rate. Staff continue to proactively deploy to victims, offenders and locations in order to prevent any escalations and this is reflected in the marked reduction in serious assaults. A number of successful action plans focusing on reducing violence across North Ayrshire has resulted in the recovery of offensive weapons and bladed articles, and this proactivity will continue with response, locality policing and specialist officers working together to target those who continue to carry weapons. The Community Wellbeing Unit (CWU) continue to work closely with individuals to divert them from violence and wider criminality. All crimes of violence continue to be subject of daily management review. Local officers continue to be supported in this review by Priority Policing Teams who are deployed to identify and quickly apprehend offenders. There continues to be proactive engagement with retailers in terms of safety advice. The assaults on retail workers are often committed during the commission of thefts and work is ongoing with a number of retailers to increase safety measures within their premises. Source: Taken from Police Scotland Business Intelligence Portal Source: Taken from Police Scotland Business Intelligence Portal 28
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 5 SERIOUS CRIME—Drug Supply Source: Taken from Police Scotland Business Intelligence Portal Analytical Context: Drug supply charges are currently down 13.6% on the 5-year average. There has been a marked reduction (n=47) in the number of charges being brought compared with both last year (n=61) and the 5-year average (n=54.4). Cannabis cultivations have also recorded a decrease with 11 identified this year compared with 14 last year. Proactivity remains the main area of focus and means by which these charges are obtained, however identifying any real patterns to where these crimes are taking place is often difficult. Identifying potential suppliers is more likely to be the result of combined work with local officers and divisional staff, building on the Community Intelligence provided by North Ayrshire residents, communities or via Crimestoppers. Local Action/Context: Tackling drug supply and suppliers continues to be a priority for all North Ayrshire officers. There is dedicated and embedded specialist Divisional intelligence support who have access to a variety of National resources, which supports the identification and actioning of all opportunities to disrupt individuals involved in the illicit supply of drugs. All avenues are exploited to generate, gather and utilise intelligence in order to drive executive action in terms of drug supply. During this reporting period in excess of £85,000 of Class A and £25,000 of Class B drugs have been seized. In addition to these significant seizures, over £4000 in cash has been proactively seized under Proceeds of Crime legislation. The following is a summary of significant seizures: October 2022 over £64,000 of Class A controlled drugs were recovered from a property in Irvine November 2022, over £5,000 of Class A and B controlled drugs were seized following a proactive vehicle stop in Largs November 2022 in excess of £9500 of Class A and B drugs and £1950 in cash was recovered from a property in Irvine December 2022 also saw executive action led by National Specialist resources, supported by proactive teams which resulted in a number of individuals being arrested for their involvement in Serious and Organised Crime 29
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 6 SERIOUS CRIME—Sexual Crime Analytical Context: Sexual crime is currently down 0.4% on the 5-year average. Sexual assaults are currently recording decreases whilst rape crimes are recording an increase. Non-recent crimes have increased on those being reported last year. In total there have been 225 sexual crimes reported so far this year of which 76 are non-recent, this compares with 255 crimes in the same period last year of which 65 were non-recent. Detection rates currently sit at 62.7%, significantly above last year (44.7%) and the 5-year average (52.0%). Rape detections are currently at 49.0% while sexual assault detections are at 66.1%. Police Scotland has made a concerted effort to raise awareness and encourage survivors of sexual abuse to report incidents regardless of when they occurred. Every report is investigated thoroughly, albeit there can be challenges with tracing witnesses or securing forensic opportunities for non-recent offences. Local Action/Context: North Ayrshire Police remains committed to working with partners to enhance the confidence of victims and encourage them to engage with the criminal justice system and the benefits of this positive collaborative approach is demonstrated in the rise in reporting. North Ayrshire continue to work closely with Rape Crisis, Woman's Aid and ASSIST to promote their support and counselling services for those who have been impacted by sexual crime. Feedback from partners continues to highlight the overwhelmingly positive work of our specialist Sexual Offences Liaison Officers who are committed to provide the best levels of service for our victims and who work tirelessly to gather evidence to bring perpetrators into the criminal justice system. In July 2022 Ayrshire implemented the Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM) which is a specialist joint investigative cadre comprising of highly skilled police and social workers with the required experience of forensic interviews to produce the highest quality of evidence from child victims and witnesses to ensure the protection of the child. An informed trauma recovery support approach is built into the process from the point of disclosure from any child. The commitment by the Divisional Commander to secure an additional Detective Inspector for rape investigations not only reinforces the importance of this crime to our officers, partners and communities but has resulted in a significant rise in detection rates. This specially trained Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) continues to drive investigations into all reports of rape, identify and exploit all lines of enquiry and this bespoke approach is reflected in the positive feedback and offenders being reported to Crown Office and Procurator Fiscals Service (COPFS). Police Scotland's “That Guy” campaign urges men to be the solution to preventing sexual offending and encouraging them to have those difficult conversations with their friends who may have crossed the line. Locality and campus officers continue to promote this campaign and engage with young persons to educate them around about the seriousness and consequences of sexual offences and offending. Source: Taken from Crime Management through ScOMIS 30
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 7 SAFER COMMUNITIES—Domestic Abuse Source: Data taken from iVPD through ScOMIS Analytical Context: Domestic abuse crimes are currently down 8.4% on the 5-year average. Crimes are slightly up compared to last year (727 this year compared with 720 last year). It is evident from the chart opposite that there have been two peak months this year, in August and October where the figures have been over 100 for the month. Examination of these two months shows a higher number of crimes being reported that did not take place during these months. Examination of the types of domestic abuse committed during these first nine months indicates that the majority of crimes continue to be minor assaults however there has been 2 attempted murders, 8 Serious Assaults, 20 Rapes and 36 Domestic Abuse Act crimes (examples include stalking and/or coercive behaviour). Local Action/Context: All domestic abuse incidents and crimes are subject to daily scrutiny and review by supervisory and specialist officers to identify all safeguarding and evidential opportunities. The Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) which commenced in August 2022, continues to work well, bringing together police, statutory partners and voluntary agencies on a monthly basis to deliver additional safeguarding to those at the highest risk of domestic violence. MARACs continue to take place on a monthly basis and allows a proactive, innovative and joined up approach to deliver safety measures, reassurance and safeguarding to the most vulnerable victims of domestic abuse. The Domestic Abuse Safeguarding Team (DAST) which commenced in July 2022, is providing a victim centred approach to creating better outcomes for those affected by domestic violence as well as focusing on prevention through the DSDAS process. Funding has been granted by the Divisional Commander for ring doors bells for vulnerable victims and Trading Standards have gifted ‘call blockers’ to North Ayrhsire to protect vulnerable victims from telephone harassment and contact. The 16 days Violence against Woman Campaign ran from 25 November 2022 - 10 December 2022 and a number of successful partnership events were held including Sign the Pledge events and a well attended Reclaim the Night Walk, organised by North Ayrshire Womans Aid. 31
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 8 SAFER COMMUNITIES—Hate Crime Source: Taken from the iVPD database through ScOMIS Analytical Context: Hate crimes is currently 9.9% below the 5-year average. There has been a marked decrease noted compared to last year (89 this year down from 113). Note that a single crime can have more than one hate crime type, for example one incident could feature homophobic and sectarian language. The chart opposite provides a breakdown of the different types of hate related crimes and highlights a slight increase in disablist crimes. Racial crimes have remained fairly static whilst homophobic and religious crimes have significantly decreased. At the end of this reporting period two repeat victims have been identified. One is a shop worker in Irvine who has been the victim of racial abuse on two occasions and one victim in Kilwinning has been subjected to disablist abuse on two occasions. There have been no further repeat victims during the Q3 period. Local Action/Context: The North Ayrshire Preventions and Interventions Officers continues to deliver Hate Crime refresher training for all staff across the sub division and this is educational approach is supported by our Campus officers who continue to engage with young persons over the impact that hate language and incidents have on victims. There continues to be proactive social media campaigns utilising the #DontTolerateHate hashtag, encouraging victims to come forward to engage with Police and also to signpost reporting mechanisms and access to support agencies . All victims of hate crime are visited by locality policing officers to provide reassurance and support and Offenders are referred to our Community Wellbeing Unit (CWU) to promote diversionary opportunities. Locality officers will also engage with offenders and warn them of the consequences of reoffending. The success of this approach is demonstrated by no repeat victims being subject to hateful language and abuse. The majority of offenders are under the influence of alcohol at the time of the offences and where police officers are subject to hate language this tends to occur when offenders are being arrested for a different offence. 32
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 9 SAFER COMMUNITIES—Antisocial Behaviour Analytical Context: ASB Incidents are currently down 25.0% on the 5-year average. All nine months of this reporting year so far are recording much lower figures compared with last year and the 5-year average as detailed in the second chart below. Around 22.9% of incidents so far this year have resulted in a crime report being raised. It is assessed that around 11.6% of ASB incidents are youth related. ASB Fixed Penalty data is currently not available. Local Action/Context: North Ayrshire have reintroduced the Prevention First fortnightly meetings bringing together partners from across agencies to collaborate together and resolve anti social behaviour issues. The first meeting was held in November 2022 and work is ongoing in relation to youths on quad bikes at Stevenston Beach which has already resulted in a number of offenders being reported to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscals Service (COPFS). Three Towns officers continue to work closely with business premises at Ardeer Industrial Estate, Stevenston in response to concerns around youths setting fires and engaging in anti social behaviour. Working in collaboration with North Ayrshire Council, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and business owners has resulted in no incidents being reported in the last quarter and positive feedback from partner agencies. Work continues by Irvine locality teams in terms of young persons attending within Irvine Mall and engaging in anti social behaviour. Dedicated patrols in this area has identified a number of school age children who have been subject of warnings and follow up engagement by Campus Officers. Anti social behaviour was being reported at the Woodlands Avenue Community Centre and through innovative working with partners this is progressing towards demolition. The Old Dreghorn School has also been securely boarded up by its private owner (Arran Brewery) which has resulted in no reports of anti social behaviour at this locus during the reporting period. North Ayrshire Central Hospital in Irvine is now scheduled for demolition as a result of successful working between agencies and is currently sitexed with no issues being reported during the reporting period. Work remains ongoing with Historic Environment Scotland and North Ayrshire Council to identify and proactively tackle ASB issues at known historical buildings and monuments. Source: Taken from STORM data extracted through ScOMIS 33
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 10 ACQUISITIVE CRIME—Housebreaking / Fraud Analytical Context: Housebreakings are currently down 39.6% on the 5-year average. The picture this year shows decreases in crimes targeting domestic properties compared to last year, while crimes at non-dwelling properties and commercial properties recorded increases. The detection rate is currently 33.8% which is above last year (18.5%) and also the 5-year average (24.6%). Examination of the commercial housebreakings shows one repeat locations during this period, Largs Academy, a further three schools have also been broken into, two secondary schools and one primary. Frauds are currently 49.0% up on the 5-year average. The upward trend of frauds is continuing with crimes showing an increase of 13.9% on the figure from last year. There has been an increase in the number of crimes reported in recent months with a peak in November of 34 crimes. Concerns have been raised in the past that Black Friday and Cyber Monday may contribute to these increases, however that has not been proved to be the case. The current detection rate is 19.1% which is above last year (17.8%) but below the 5-year average (31.0%). Local Action/Context: The commission rate remains at an historic low with detection rates having improved significantly with improved governance and investigative structures and a re-alignment of resources to provide additional focus and resilience. All victims in North Ayrshire are contacted by the Preventions and Interventions Officer to provide safety advice and support to protect their properties. A funding bid has been approved by the Divisional Commander for ringdoor bells to assist in protecting North Ayrshires most vulnerable. Local North Ayrshire officers continue to work closely with Trading Standards to attend at local events to provide practical safety advice. Planning is underway for a North Ayrshire fraud roadshow bringing together partners at events throughout the sub division. Work remains ongoing with retailers, banks, pharmacies and doctors surgeries to disseminate the anti fraud message and social media continues to reflect the importance of security messaging and preventative advice. A media campaign utilising social media, local newspapers and North Ayrshire newsletters is being driven to highlight anti fraud messages and scams to all sections of the community. This work is being driven with partners through the Prevention First forum. Source: Taken from Police Scotland Business Intelligence Portal Source: Taken from Police Scotland Business Intelligence Portal 34
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 11 ACQUISITIVE CRIME—Robberies Source: Taken from Police Scotland Business Intelligence Portal Local Action/Context: Robberies remain a key priority and daily focus and enhanced governance and scrutiny demonstrate that all crimes are thoroughly investigated and any offenders are identified and apprehended at the earliest opportunity. This scrutiny and review by specialist officers is demonstrated in the increased detection rate against both last year and the 4 year average. In the vast majority of reported crimes YTD the perpetrator and victim/witnesses are assessed to know each other, however in most instances those involved are largely uncooperative or actively hostile with investigations. Dedicated town centre officers continue to proactively engage with retailers regarding preventative measure and raising awareness. Preventative measures continue, including those known offenders subject to bail conditions are subject to routine checks to ensure they are complying with their conditions, any issues identified during these checks can be escalated to the relevant agency. We remain committed to tackling the factors that could lead to offenders committing such crimes, and continue to work closely with partners to ensure appropriate support is in place reducing the likelihood of offending. Analytical Context: Robberies are currently down 17.8% on the 5-year average. The picture this year shows a decrease in robberies compared to last year (24 compared with 27 last year). The current detection rate is 83.3% which is above both last year (77.8%) and the 5-year average (69.2%). At this stage it is noted that half of the crimes have taken place within the home, three in a shop plus one in a petrol station and the remainder in an outdoor public location. Six have involved the use/threat of a knife or bladed weapon. There are no repeat victims or offenders noted at this stage. At least nine of the victims knew the offender in some capacity. The items most commonly being taken are cash, mobile phones and medication. 35
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 12 COMMUNITY WELLBEING Local Action/Context: During this reporting period, the Community Wellbeing Unit (CWU) have proactively engaged with 171 individuals across North Ayrshire in terms of diversionary, interventions and secur- ing partnership support. The following table provides further details in terms of this. The CWU have attended to support the North Ayrshire Council (NAC) Employability Event, NAC Money Matters Workshop, multiple meetings with NADARS. A further round of visits have been undertaken at all North Ayrshire local authority Childrens Units to strengthen connections and provide refreshed contacts. The CWU retains close links with NAC SWD Justice and Intervention MAASH Team and continue to conduct joint visits with them and NAC SWD Children and Families Services. KA Leisure continue to support and accept police referrals in terms of access to their facilities for the most vulnerable. North Ayrshire 2022 Nominals Interventions Mental Health Addictions Missing Persons Youth Offenders Domestic Abuse October 45 87 74 24 6 3 2 November 69 122 43 15 5 5 1 December 57 90 28 10 5 11 3 36
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 13 ROAD SAFETY—Drink/Drug Driving Source: Taken from Police Scotland Business Intelligence Portal Analytical Context: Drink/Drug driving offences are currently up 29.2% on the 5-year average. It should be noted that new legislation around drug driving came into effect in October 2019 and therefore this 5- year average does not include the drug charges. So far this year there have been a total of 177 offences recorded which is an increase on last year (n=165). Solely Drink Driving and solely Drug Driving continue to be the most perpetrated offences, both crime types are up on last year, solely Drink Driving recorded 62 crimes last year whilst solely Drug Driving recorded 51 crimes. Local Action/Context: Ayrshire Divisions Road Policing Unit in conjunction with divisional colleagues continue their dedication and focus towards Road Safety within North Ayrshire. A wide range of proactive measures are undertaken whilst working towards the outcomes set in the Scottish Government’s Road Safety Framework to 2030. North Ayrshire officers consistently patrol key priority routes by conducting high visibility and unmarked patrols, evidencing to our communities the desire to deter and detect motorists who choose to drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs, which ultimately places both themselves and other road users in danger. To supplement these patrols, officers regularly carry out static road checks at pre-determined locations, which have been identified through analytical products and intelligence as routes likely to be frequented by offenders. Officers work in close collaboration with intelligence colleagues, whereby a number of target packages have been created to pro-actively target repeat offenders within the sub division. Road Policing and local officers remain vigilant towards wider Organised Crime Group activity, whereby drink and drug driving offences have been detected, ultimately causing disruption to known OCG’s operating within North Ayrshire. Police Scotland’s National Calendar of Road Safety Activity identifies specific periods to target these priorities, such as the Summer Drink/Drug Driving campaign in July and Drug Driving week in August. The 2023/24 Road Safety Calendar of activity is expected to be published later this month. In terms of the reporting period, detections for both drink and drug driving are higher than previous, which is evidence of the continued proactive approach taken by Officers. This increase also demonstrates raised awareness by local officers to seek assistance from Road policing trained Medacx Drug Wipe officers, whenever they suspect a motorist has been driving under the influence of drugs. 37
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 14 ROAD SAFETY—Speeding Source: Taken from Crime Management through ScOMIS Analytical Context: Speeding offences are currently up 6.2% on the 5-year average. There has been a marked increase in the number of offences recorded this year when compared with last year (see chart opposite). The Road Policing Unit continue to carry out initiatives in specific areas based on information from local communities and Elected Members, which may influence where offences occur. Local Action/Context: Speeding continues to be a priority for residents of North Ayrshire. Road Policing officers, supported by divisional officers are committed to reducing serious and fatal road traffic collisions through targeted enforcement, and education where applicable. North Ayrshire officers have detected a higher number of motorists that speed and drive inappropriately for the road conditions at various locations during the reporting period, when compared with last year. This increase is evidence of the proactive work conducted by officers within the sub division, and further highlights the strong collaboration between North Ayrshire Police and local elected members, who consistently identify routes that have been raised as a concern within our communities. North Ayrshires static speed check sites have recently been refreshed in response to community concerns and are visited on a regular basis. Deploying to these locations provides reassurance to our communities that speeding is taken seriously and allows officers to gleam intelligence for the wider road safety picture. Focused action plans have been delivered throughout North Ayrshire during the reporting period. The purpose being to engage with motorists and influence driver behaviour through enforcement where necessary. Road Policing supported by divisional officers deploy to locations such as the A736 Burnhouse and the A78 which have resulted in a high number of speeding detections. These locations are embedded within Road Policing’s priority patrol routes. Other areas within the sub division with historical speeding complaints continue to be subject of routine high visibility and unmarked patrols for additional enforcement and reassurance. The marked increase in the number of speeding detections during the reporting period is evidence that officers within North Ayrshire remain committed towards road safety. 38
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 15 PUBLIC CONFIDENCE—Survey Information User Experience - Current Position The information on the table below is from data gathered in the April to December 2022 period for the whole of Ayrshire and is not specific to North Ayrshire. It should also be noted that the ‘Feeling adequately informed’ question has changed this year and only applies to those who stated they expected to be kept informed. Your Survey The following information is based on data from April to December 2022 (It should be noted that the December figures are likely to change as they are updated). Local Action/Context: The Your Police Survey remains open for all police and members of the public to provide their views on Policing in the Local Community. Local officers continue to promote engagement with Your Police Survey at all events and community engagements and details of the survey has been shared with local elected members, PFRC members and broadcast on media and social media channels. How Safe do you feel in your local area? Male Female Total Respondents Very Safe Safe Total Very Safe Safe Very Safe Safe North 12.98% 52.64% 65.62% 14.57% 45.70% 12.61% 57.98% 416 Concern About Crime Male Female Total Respondents Inc. a Little Inc. a Lot Total Inc. a Little Inc. a Lot Inc. a Little Inc. a Lot North 28.57% 35.35% 63.92% 30.67% 30.67% 28.15% 36.13% 416 Questions YTD Force YTD Female Male Blank/ Number of Respondents 765 11470 313 205 247 Ease of Contact? (% Easy and Very Easy) 71% 71% 76% 74% 62% Being provided with the appropriate response? (% Yes) 62% 62% 70% 62% 51% Feeling adequately informed about progress made with your report (% Yes) 53% 48% 59% 54% 46% Overall Satisfaction? (% Satisfied or Very Satisfied) 68% 68% 76% 71% 55% 39
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 16 PUBLIC CONFIDENCE—Complaints Against the Police Complaints Breakdown of Case Categories Breakdown of Allegations Breakdown of Quality of Service Allegation TOTAL COMPLAINT CASES RECEIVED TOTAL NUMBER OF ALLEGATIONS RECEIVED YTD LYTD % CHANGE YTD LYTD % CHANGE TOTAL 267 247 8.10% 378 511 -26.00% North Ayrshire 94 92 2.2% 127 163 -22.1% FLR (Early Resolution) FLR PSD (NCARU) FLR (Spec or PSD) Criminal Complaint Non Criminal (not FLR) Abandoned Withdrawn Ongoing (NCARU) Not Relevant Complaint U DIVISION 1 98 31 24 48 27 14 24 0 North Ayrshire 1 32 16 5 16 7 7 10 0 Breakdown of Allegations Assault Corrupt Practice Discriminato- ry Behaviour Excess Force Incivility Irregularity in Proce- dure Neglect of Duty Oppressive Conduct/ Harass- ment Other - Criminal Non- Criminal Traffic Ir- regularity/ Offence Unlawful Unneces- sary Arrest or Deten- U DIVISION 28 0 4 22 60 109 2 11 3 1 2 5 North Ayrshire 7 0 2 10 18 40 2 3 1 0 0 2 Quality of Service Policy/Procedure Service Delivery Service Outcome U DIVISION TOTAL 39 39 53 North Ayrshire 13 16 13 40
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OFFICIAL—POLICE & PARTNERS 17 GLOSSARY OF TERMS Acronym Details APARC Ayrshire Partnership Against Rural Crime ASB Anti-Social Behaviour ASBIT Anti-Social Behaviour Investigation Team CWU Community Wellbeing Unit CYTD Current Year to Date DAST Domestic Abuse Safeguarding Team DSDAS Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse Scotland EAC East Ayrshire Council FLR Front Line Resolution HMP Her Majesty's Prison LPP Local Policing Plan LPT Local Policing Team LYTD Last Year to Date MAPPA Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements MARAC Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference MATAC Multi Agency Tasking and Coordination NCARU National Complaints and Resolution Unit NHS National Health Service Non-Rec Non Recent (over one year from incident occuring) PACT Pro-Active Crime Team PSD Professional Standards PSOS Police Service of Scotland PSYV Police Scotland Youth Volunteers PYTD Previous Year to Date SCIM Scottish Child Interview Model ScOMIS Scottish Operational and Management Information System SOSA Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act SFRS Scottish Fire and Rescue Service SWD Social Work Department VAWG Violence Against Women and Girls YTD Year to Date 41
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 7 February 2023 Police and Fire and Rescue Committee Title: Local Police Plan 2023-26 Purpose: To enable the Committee to consider the North Ayrshire Local Police Plan 2023-26. Recommendation: The Committee is asked to consider the terms of the North Ayrshire Local Police Plan 2023-26 and thereafter to delegate any further proposals or comments to the Chair and Clerk to respond to the Consultation on the Committee’s behalf. 1. Executive Summary 1.1 The North Ayrshire Local Policing Plan 2023-26 is attached at Appendix 1. 1.2 In terms of Section 47 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012 each Local Police Commander must prepare a Local Policing Plan setting out the main priorities and objectives for the policing of each Local Authority Area. This must be approved by each Local Authority. 1.3 The North Ayrshire Local Policing Plan 2023-26 has been updated following feedback from Committee members at an Elected Member Briefing session delivered by Superintendent Frew on 12 January 2023. 1.4 The purpose of this report is to give the Committee an opportunity to consider the revised Plan. The Committee is invited to consider any further proposals or comments on the draft Plan and to delegate authority to issue a final response to the Chair and Clerk. 2. Background 2.1 In terms of Section 47 of the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012, the Local Policing Plan must:- • Set out the main priorities and objectives for the policing of the Local Authority area; • Explain the reasons for selecting each of those priorities and objectives; • Set out the arrangements for the policing of the Local Authority’s area and how these are expected to achieve the main priorities and objectives; • Where reasonably practicable, identify outcomes, against which the priorities and objectives can be measures; and • Describe how those priorities, objectives and arrangements will contribute to the delivery of local outcomes which are identified by community planning. 2.2 When preparing the plan, the Local Commander must consult widely. The Plan has been produced after local, public consultation and data gathering and engagement with the Community Planning Partnership. The plan highlights the “locality partnership Agenda Item 5 43
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model” tailored to meet local needs and deliver a wide range of services. 2.3 There are five policing priorities detailed in the Plan. These are:- • Serious Crime • Violence Against Women and Girls • Safer Communities • Community Wellbeing • Road Safety 2.4 The Local Policing Plan for 2023-26 continues to be reflective of Community Planning Partners’ priorities and is aligned with Police Scotland’s and the Scottish Police Authority’s Joint Strategy for Policing, “Policing for a safe, protected and resilient Scotland”, together with Police Scotland’s national priorities for policing: • Protecting vulnerable people; • Tackling crime in the digital age; • Working with communities; and • Support or Operational Policing. 2.5 The key priorities and objectives set out in the plan will be monitored and success measured in accordance with the national performance framework. Performance reports and updates will be reported to Committee through the Local Policing Commander’s reports to Committee. 2.6 Following Members’ comments, the section on Local Policing Delivery Context in the draft Plan has been updated to include a reference to Campus Officers as being integral to the delivery of policing services from their designated schools, feeder primary schools and surrounding areas. 2.7 The consultation on the Plan closes on 13 February 2023. 3. Proposals 3.1 The Committee is asked to consider the terms of the Local Policing Plan 2023-26 and to delegate any further proposals or comments to the Chair and Clerk to respond on the Committee’s behalf by 13 February 2023. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 None. Human Resources 4.2 None. Legal 4.3 None. Equality/Socio-economic 44
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4.4 Police Scotland will assess the plan for equality and socio-economic outcomes. Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 None. Key Priorities 4.6 The Plan has implications for the Council priorities of working together to develop stronger communities and supporting all of our people to stay safe, healthy and active. Community Wealth Building 4.7 None. 5. Consultation 5.1 Police Scotland have consulted on the content of the Local Policing Plan. As stated, Elected Members met with Superintendent Frew and provided initial comments on the draft Plan. Aileen Craig Head of Democratic Services For further information please contact Raymond Lynch, Senior Manager (Legal Services) by email to raymondlynch@north-ayrshire.gov.uk. Background Papers 0 45
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1 North Ayrshire Local Policing Plan 2023 – 2026 Appendix 1 46
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2 Contents North Ayrshire Local Policing Plan ............................................................................. 1 Foreword ................................................................................................................ 3 Introduction ............................................................................................................. 6 National Strategic Alignment .................................................................................. 7 Police Scotland’s Strategic Objectives .................................................................... 8 Local Policing Delivery Context .............................................................................. 9 Our Plan on a Page .............................................................................................. 11 Local Priorities, Objectives and Milestones .......................................................... 12 Local Priority: Serious Crime ............................................................................. 13 Local Priority: Violence Against Women and Girls ............................................ 16 Local Priority: Safer Communities ..................................................................... 19 Local Priority: Community Wellbeing ................................................................. 23 Local Priority: Road Safety ................................................................................ 27 Governance and Performance .............................................................................. 30 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion ........................................................................... 30 Ethics and Values ................................................................................................. 31 Engaging with us .................................................................................................. 31 47
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3 Foreword In developing our Local Police Plan for 2023-2026 we have built on the foundation of the preceding plan and taken cognisance of the unprecedented demand experienced by policing and our wider public services in the past two years. There is undoubtedly continued socio-economic challenges for our communities, however the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) in North Ayrshire is working tirelessly to ensure that we can collectively mitigate challenges for the most vulnerable. The CPP is working together with positivity and optimism and share North Ayrshire’s vision of ‘Fair for All’ that seeks to address poverty and inequalities in our communities. North Ayrshire have been instrumental in developing a Community Wealth Building approach across Ayrshire and we are proud to have signed up as an Anchor institution. Ayrshire Police Division recognises that reduced poverty and increased opportunity are the foundations for a safe and thriving community and we are looking forward to contributing wherever possible to support positive change. Alongside partners, we are supportive of the NHS Ayrshire and Arran strategic plan of Caring for Ayrshire. We recognise that the police respond to many incidents for which we are not always the most appropriate agency but we are available at the time of crisis. This is more so when dealing with individuals with mental health or substance use challenges. Using a partnership approach we will be seeking innovative ways that we can support and sign-post the most vulnerable to engage with services that will provide the right care, in the right place, at the right time. With our professional support we will seek to achieve sustainable outcomes for individuals and families. In January 2022, Ayrshire Division established a Community Wellbeing Unit to take an innovative trauma-informed operational approach to supporting people who are unable to break the cycle of offending and addiction or are involved in anti-social or disruptive behaviour. Working with partners, officers seek to build trusted relationships with individuals to give them the confidence to set personal goals. This involves identifying or developing pathways and support networks that will enable them to achieve positive outcomes. Partnership working is key to the success of this work and there have already been excellent connections made with a range of statutory and third sector partners, which is reflective of North Ayrshire’s Local Outcomes Improvement Plan focus on ‘Wellbeing’. 48
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4 Our Local Police Plan incorporates Police Scotland’s national priorities and strategic outcomes, but just as importantly focusses on priorities that are reflective of our CPP commitments. Our areas of focus are cognisant of North Ayrshire Council’s Local Outcome Improvement Plan 2022 - 2030 and the supporting Safer Communities Delivery Plan. The delivery of a responsive policing service with a commitment to public protection is central to our local operational delivery. As you can see from our ‘Plan on a Page’ our areas of focus are those crimes and incidents that have the most impact on our communities. We are also committed to the less visible policing response that supports survivors of physical and sexual abuse. In a positive step to support those who have experienced Domestic Abuse, a Multi- Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) has been established in North Ayrshire. This involves North Ayrshire Council, NHS, Woman’s Aid, ASSIST and the police. MARAC protects victims of domestic abuse who are at risk of significant harm. The community has an expectation that their local police service will respond to issues that cause them the greatest concern, such as anti-social behaviour. Officers have an excellent working relationship with North Ayrshire Council and the Connected Communities team; regularly undertaking joint working to address local issues. This has also seen the welcomed investment by the Council to provide quad bikes that improve our capability to patrol. This will be particularly beneficial in developing our already well established Safer Shores plans. Organisationally, although not specifically detailed in this Plan, we are focussed on sustainability and our responsibilities in respect of climate change. We are progressing with Police Scotland’s fleet strategy to have all our vehicles replaced by Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV) by 2030. The next three years will present challenges to the communities in North Ayrshire and we are committed to delivering a professional and compassionate policing service that complements our partner’s priorities and addresses local concerns. We police through the consent of our communities and three key aspects that influence public confidence, namely: police visibility and accessibility, community engagement and by positively demonstrating our values and behaviours. 49
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5 We value and respect the opinion from all members of our community and we would invite and welcome residents and partners continued engagement. Further information can be found in our consultation and engagement hub at: https://consult.scotland.police.uk/ Chief Superintendent Faroque Hussain Local Police Commander, Ayrshire Division 50
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6 Introduction North Ayrshire has a population of approximately 135,000 and covers an area of 341 square miles. It has boundaries with the neighbouring Local Authority areas of East Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Inverclyde and Renfrewshire. Irvine is the largest town with an approximated population of 40,000; with the main smaller towns of Ardrossan, Beith, Dalry, Kilbirnie, Kilwinning, Largs, Saltcoats, Skelmorlie, Stevenston and West Kilbride. North Ayrshire also encompasses the island communities of Arran and Cumbrae that are popular tourist destinations. This presents a diverse mixture of urban, rural and island areas that provide police officers and police staff with a unique set of policing challenges. North Ayrshire’s coastline and islands bring many visitors from our surrounding area and much further afield, particularly in the spring and summer months. Police Scotland works in partnership with North Ayrshire Council, other emergency services, resilience partners and many others to ensure that North Ayrshire residents and visitors feel safe and enjoy the environments in which they live, work and visit. 51
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7 National Strategic Alignment Our strategic outcomes provide a clear route from the Scottish Government’s outcomes and priorities, including the Justice Strategy, through Police Scotland’s strategies, plans and performance reporting, enabling us to demonstrate alignment and clearly articulate our ambitions and progress as demonstrated below. In addition to the Annual Police Plan, Police Scotland’s thirteen local policing divisions produce Local Police Plans which reference distinct priorities, objectives, outcomes and performance measures. They link to wider community planning arrangements, with Local Outcome Improvement Plans taken into account in their development. The following strategy documents helped shape the Local Policing Plans for Ayrshire: Scottish Government National Outcomes / Strategic Priorities / Justice Vision SPA / Police Scotland Strategic Outcomes Long Term Policing Strategy: Policing for a Safe, Protected and Resilient Scotland In order to achieve the outcomes, Police Scotland has developed the following enabler strategies: People Fleet Estates Public Contact and Engagement Enabling Policing for the Future Digital Data and ICT Cyber Environmental Procurement Violence against Women and Girls Equality Diversity and Inclusion 52
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8 Police Scotland’s Strategic Objectives 53
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9 Local Policing Delivery Context Ayrshire Police Division is committed to providing a professional, compassionate and effective policing service to all the communities of North Ayrshire. We do not do this in isolation and work closely with the Community Planning Partnership (CPP) to ensure we collectively deliver services that meet the needs of individuals and communities. The CPP is committed to the vision of ‘Fair for All’ that seeks to address poverty and inequalities in our communities. The revised Local Outcomes Improvement Plan will drive this forward with a strategic focus on Work, Wellbeing and World. Through our commitment to Community Wealth Building and our local approach to wellbeing we will be active partners and contributors. This Local Police Plan is also complementary to the Safer North Ayrshire Strategy and delivers against the following priorities: Reducing crime and anti-social behaviour People feel safe and vulnerable people are protected Improving road safety The (CPP) has embraced the locality partnership model to coordinate and deliver a wide range of services. This has been supported by all partners and as this had matured, relationships have grown stronger and collaborative working with partners and communities has thrived. North Ayrshire has response policing hubs in Irvine, Saltcoats, Kilbirnie and Largs. These resources are responsible for responding to 999 and high priority calls. This structure allows us to assess the threats, risks and harm of each call and ensure the appropriate response is provided to meet the needs of the public. The safety of the community and our officers is of primary concern when responding to incidents. We have specially trained officers equipped with TASER who are on patrol and deployable at all times should they be required. We also have dedicated teams for Community Engagement and Community Wellbeing so that we can undertake problem solving with community and partners. These links are strengthened with every secondary school benefitting from a Campus Officer jointly funded by North Ayrshire Council and Police. These officers are integral to the delivery of policing services for their designated schools, feeder primary schools and surrounding areas. 54
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10 There is also a range of specialist resources in Ayrshire that are deployed to support local resources as and when required, these include the Criminal Investigation Department, Roads Policing, Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit and Rape Investigation Unit. North Ayrshire also benefits from access to regional and national specialist resources that will deploy to the area to support local resources, for example: Air Support, Negotiators, Mounted Branch, Dog Branch, Police Search Advisors and the Marine Unit. The detail contained within this Local Police Plan focusses on the operational activity that collectively contribute to achieving the following strategic outcomes: Threats to public safety and wellbeing are resolved by a proactive and responsive police service. The needs of local communities are addressed through effective service delivery. The public, communities and partners are engaged, involved and have confidence in policing. Although not contained in this document Ayrshire Division’s leadership team promote and drive activity in support of the remaining two outcomes, namely: Our people are supported through a proactive working environment, enabling them to service the public, and Police Scotland is sustainable, adaptable and prepared for future challenges. To achieve these outcomes Police Scotland has created and implemented a range of enabler strategies as detailed on page 7 of this Plan. As a consequence, there is a wide range of activity and developments being meaningfully progressed internally. The safety and wellbeing of our officers and staff are at the heart of Police Scotland’s commitments. We strive to create an environment for our staff to be able to work effectively and equip them to make decisions, ensuring they are trusted and empowered to do so. Ongoing political, technological, economic and societal changes as well as unforeseeable emergencies on a local and global scale require the police service to adapt. This includes working to reduce the impact of our activity, estates and fleet on the environment. Police Scotland aims to make a significant contribution to the Scottish Government’s 2040 carbon neutral target and 2045 zero greenhouse gas emissions target. 55
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11 Our Plan on a Page 56
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12 Local Priorities, Objectives and Milestones The priorities for North Ayrshire are decided by data from our strategic assessment that details national and local threats and risks. They are also informed by feedback from North Ayrshire Council colleagues, Community Planning partners, and importantly by residents through the ‘Your Police’ survey. Whilst this plan spans a three-year period, we recognise that the issues affecting our communities and the associated demands on our service are changing and will continue to change. This will require us to review our approach periodically and dynamically throughout the duration of this plan to ensure that: We are continuing to focus on the priorities identified through assessment and input from the public and stakeholders things. Our people are suitably equipped and supported to deal with demands. Our approach remains effective and sustainable for the future. We police with the consent and support of our communities so it is important that you continue to let us know what you think of policing in your area and what our areas of focus should be. Local Police Plans (LPPs) are an intrinsic part of our planning framework and are key to the delivery of positive outcomes for the communities we serve. Ayrshire Division is committed to supporting Police Scotland’s national priorities for policing: Protecting vulnerable people Tackling crime in the digital age Working with communities Support for Operational Policing Our focus in North Ayrshire over the next three years will be on the following local priorities: Serious Crime Violence Against Woman and Girls Safer Communities Community Wellbeing Road Safety 57
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13 Local Priority: Serious Crime Area of Focus: Violence Local Objective: Deliver an effective policing response and work in partnership to reduce violence and prevent further offending. Milestones: Understand the impact of violence in communities and effectively manage the policing response through best use of management information and analysis. Maximise intelligence gathering to target those involved in violent crime and use of weapons. Analyse violence used against police officers, police staff, emergency workers and retail staff to identify learning for future mitigation. In conjunction with partners, work with potential offenders to divert them from criminal activity Update Expected: Quarterly Performance Measure and Insights: Crime trends relating to the range of violent crimes Qualitative information that demonstrates the impact of our preventative partnership initiatives, and intelligence led operations in protecting our communities from identified threats, risk and harm 58
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14 Area of Focus: Drugs Supply Local Objective: Conduct intelligence-led enforcement activity on groups and individuals involved in the supply of illegal drugs. Milestones: Maximise intelligence opportunities to disrupt serious organised crime groups operating in our local area and seize their assets. Carry out proactive enforcement activity on groups and individuals involved in Serious and Organised Crime. Work with Public Health and partners to develop approaches to drugs death / near fatal overdose analysis that will inform enforcement action that directly correlates to the cause of drug deaths and greatest harm. Work with our partners to deprive serious organised crime groups’ access to legitimate business enterprise and public funds. Campus Officers to highlight the risks and dangers to students of involvement in illegal activity associated with drugs use. Update Expected: Quarterly Performance Measure and Insights: Crime trends relating to our areas of focus including violent crime. Qualitative information that demonstrates the impact of our preventative partnership initiatives, and intelligence led operations in protecting our communities from identified threats, risk and harm. 59
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15 Area of Focus: Robbery Local Objective: Deliver an effective policing response and work in partnership to reduce incidents of robbery and prevent further offending. Milestones: Maximise intelligence gathering and analysis of incidents to identify those involved in violent crime. Implement local initiatives and action plans to detect and deter robbery incidents. Conduct proactive patrols at locations identified through intelligence and analysis. In conjunction with partners, work with potential offenders to divert them from criminal activity. Update Expected: Quarterly Performance Measure and Insights: Crime statistics and trends, including detection rates, relating to robbery and related acquisitive crime. Qualitative information that demonstrates the impact of our preventative partnership initiatives, safety campaigns and intelligence led operations. Analysis of locations and repeat offenders / victims. 60
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16 Local Priority: Violence Against Women and Girls Area of Focus: Domestic Abuse Local Objective: Work with partners to ensure that individuals who are vulnerable to, or have experienced Domestic Abuse, are offered relevant support and that perpetrators’ offending behaviour is pro-actively addressed. Milestones: Take a victim-centred approach to reports of Domestic Abuse and ensure a thorough investigation is conducted. Daily review of any unresolved domestic abuse crime reports. Support the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) process to safeguard vulnerable individuals. With partners, proactively support the Disclosure Scheme for Domestic Abuse in Scotland (DSDAS); ensuring victims and those potentially at risk of becoming victims are empowered to make decisions to increase their safety. Work collaboratively with partners and third sector to support survivors of domestic abuse. Support the Multi-Agency Tasking and Coordinating (MATAC) group to address serious offending by perpetrators to influence behaviour change. Work with the Violence Against Women Partnership to support local action and initiatives. Work with partners to develop information sharing for statistical data that will enable a joint understanding of the scale of domestic abuse in the area. Support national and local social media campaigns by Police Scotland and our partners. Update Expected: Quarterly Performance Measure and Insights: Crime statistics, including detection rates, relating to Domestic Abuse. Information on the effectiveness of the MARAC and MATAC processes. Analysis of trends with the inclusion of partnership data. 61
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17 Area of Focus: Rape and Sexual Assault Local Objective: Ensure a victim centred approach is taken to the recording and investigation of all sexual crime. Milestones: Provide an effective, supportive and trauma informed victim-centred approach to recording reports of rape and sexual assault. All reports of rape and sexual assault (recent / non-recent) are investigated thoroughly and professionally. Work collaboratively with partners and third sector to appropriately signpost and refer victims to the range of support mechanisms available in the area, such as Rape Crisis and Women’s Aid. Continue to work closely with the NHS Ayrshire and Arran Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), to support victims, including the ability to confidentially self-refer and receive support outwith the Criminal Justice System Ensure a robust and effective partnership approach is taken to the management of Registered Sex Offenders through Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements. Support national and local social media campaigns by Police Scotland and our partners that challenge the behaviour of perpetrators. Update Expected: Quarterly Performance Measure and Insights: Crime statistics and trends, including detection rates, relating to rape and sexual assault. Assessment of effectiveness of victim centred service provision, including feedback from service users and partners / third sector. 62
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18 Area of Focus: Child Sexual Abuse Local Objective: Ensure that survivors of child sexual abuse / exploitation are supported to have the confidence to report incidents and crimes. Milestones: Provide an effective, supportive and trauma informed victim-centred approach to recording reports of child sexual abuse / exploitation Ensure that all reports of child sexual abuse / exploitation (recent / non-recent) are investigated thoroughly and professionally. A robust and effective partnership approach is taken to the management of Registered Sex Offenders through Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements. Support relevant national and local social media campaigns by Police Scotland and our partners to raise awareness and reporting of child sexual abuse / exploitation. Update Expected: Quarterly Performance Measure and Insights: Crime statistics and detection rates for sexual crimes committed against females under 16. Crime trends relating to child sexual exploitation. Assessment of effectiveness of victim-centred service provision, including feedback from service users and partners / third sector. 63
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19 Local Priority: Safer Communities Area of Focus: Anti-Social Behaviour Local Objective: Minimise disruption caused by Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) and disorder to individuals, communities and businesses. Milestones: Engage with the community and partners to identify ASB that cause concern and work collaboratively to improve community cohesion. Analyse data to identify opportunities for early intervention and engage with individuals and key partners as appropriate. Develop local action plans and initiatives to address anti-social behaviour and disorder in conjunction with partners. Through collaborative working with our partners, ensure non-criminal justice measures such as Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs), Antisocial Behaviour Orders (ASBOs), recorded police warnings and reports to the procurator fiscal are utilised to divert lower level criminal behaviour and as an alternative to prosecution. Take a collaborative approach with partners to address anti-social housing issues. Campus Officers to promote good citizenship in schools, highlighting the impact of ASB on the community and vulnerable people. Update Expected: Quarterly Performance Measure and Insights: Crime and incident statistics / trends relating to ASB. How effective is collaboration with partners at addressing ASB? Examples of diversionary activities provided by police and partners. Information on the use of ABCs, ASBOs and Recorded Police Warnings. 64
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20 Area of Focus: Hate Crime Local Objective: By taking a zero tolerance approach to hate crime, provide a professional and supportive response, ensuring victims have the confidence to report incidents to the Police or recognised partners. Milestones: Take a victim-centred approach to reports of Hate Crime, ensuring a thorough investigation is conducted. Analyse data to establish trends / patterns and identify repeat offenders, victims and locations. Engage with the Ayrshire Equality Network to develop our working relationships with partners and our communities. Review our network and use of third party reporting centres, ensuring our partners and third sector are confident to support victims of Hate Crime to report the circumstances. Engage with North Ayrshire Council and partners to undertake activity that supports in our community. Support relevant national and local social media campaigns by Police Scotland and our partners to raise awareness of different types of Hate Crime. Campus Officers to promote good citizenship in schools, highlighting the impact of Hate Crime. Update Expected: Quarterly Performance Measure and Insights: Crime and incident statistics / trends relating to Hate Crime. How well are we engaging with groups that support all protected characteristics? Qualitative feedback from refugee groups indicating how well they feel supported by Police Scotland. Details of the outcome of local and national campaigns and initiatives. 65
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21 Area of Focus: Acquisitive Crime Local Objective: Effectively respond to acquisitive crimes that impact on individuals, communities and businesses. Milestones: Maximise intelligence gathering and analysis of incidents to identify those involved in criminality. Maximise the use of Ayrshire Division and regional resources to complement North Ayrshire policing resources to support investigative response. Engage with partners and communities to highlight emerging risks and provide crime prevention advice and conduct security surveys. Engage with local partners and communities to establish innovative ways of promoting and highlighting the risk from fraud. Engage with our rural community, provide information on trends and support them to be more resilient to the risks of criminality. Work with partners to divert offenders from criminal activity. Support relevant national and local social media campaigns by Police Scotland and our partners. Update Expected: Quarterly Performance Measure and Insights: Crime statistics and trends, including detection rates, relating to the range of acquisitive crime. Qualitative information that demonstrates the impact of our preventative partnership initiatives, safety campaigns and intelligence led operations. 66
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22 Area of Focus: Online Safety Local Objective: With the support from Police Scotland cybercrime resources, improve community understanding of the varying types of risks from online activity. Milestones: Analyse crimes and offences being recorded / committed and be responsive to new methodologies being used by perpetrators. Engage with partners to ensure accurate and informative crime prevention and safety advice is available in varied formats to reach different generations and communities. Raise awareness through social media and engagement events involving young people, of the threats posed from online grooming and the sharing of self- generated indecent images amongst children and young people. Campus Officers will engage with school pupils and highlight ways to keep themselves safe online to varied risks; in particular, highlighting the personal risk of sharing images of themselves or others. Support relevant national and local social media campaigns by Police Scotland and our partners to raise awareness of the risks and changing methodologies being used. Update Expected: Quarterly Performance Measure and Insights: Crime trends relating to the range of crimes that are committed or facilitated online. How successful have we been at delivering educational inputs on online harm? Qualitative information that demonstrates the impact of local and national campaigns. Qualitative information of activity undertaken with partners to engage with different groups in the community. 67
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23 Local Priority: Community Wellbeing Area of Focus: Drugs Harm Local Objective: Develop partnership approaches to tackle the harm caused by substance use. Milestones: Provide individuals who come into police custody with addictions with advice and signposting to supportive pathways / partners. Contribute to local Alcohol and Drugs Partnership outcomes. Campus Officers to promote wellbeing and risks associated with substance use. Engage with partners and contribute to local approaches to prevent drug related deaths. Review our approach to enforcement action, taking cognisance of drug type trends that cause the greatest harm in the community. We will train our staff and provide them with Naloxone sprays to add to their personal first aid options and have the ability to treat persons they find experiencing an opioid overdose. Review partnership approach and information sharing regarding near fatal overdoses. Support relevant national and local social media campaigns by Police Scotland and our partners. Update Expected: Quarterly Performance Measure and Insights: Qualitative information with regards to partnership working and initiatives. Update on Naloxone training provision and operational use. Information on analysis of drug trends. Statistics and trends of suspected drug related deaths. Outcome of local and national campaigns. 68
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24 Area of Focus: Community Justice Local Objective: To actively contribute to a partnership approach to prevention and effective community interventions, seeking opportunities to address re-offending. Milestones: In conjunction with partners, support the outcomes of the Community Justice Ayrshire strategy and action plan. Community Wellbeing Unit to identify repeat / vulnerable offenders and identify opportunities for intervention and diversion. In conjunction with partners, support individuals who present a risk of re-offending with throughcare from prison back into the community. Promote use and monitor the use of Recorded Police Warnings by officers as an alternative to prosecution. Ensure the content of Standard Prosecution Reports meet the standard required to support ‘Diversion from Prosecution’ decision making by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Update Expected: Quarterly Performance Measure and Insights: Community Wellbeing Unit activity with offenders. Statistics of use of Recorded Police Warnings. Qualitative information on partnership working and initiatives. 69
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25 Area of Focus: Mental Health Local Objective: Improve and enhance our partnership approach to identify and support individuals at risk of harm. Milestones: Ensure concern reports are submitted and shared for adults and children at risk due to mental health. Ensure incidents involving mental health are appropriately marked on police systems to support analysis. When responding to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, maximise use of the Crisis Resolution Team service to ensure the right care is provided at the right time by the right people. Work with partners to provide the response and support to adults assessed as ‘at risk’. Engage with Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS) and other partners to identify how police can contribute to children and young people being supported at school or in the community. Promote use of the Philomena and Herbert protocols. These respectively support the response to missing young people from residential homes and missing people with dementia. Support relevant national and local social media campaigns by Police Scotland and our partners. Update Expected: Quarterly Performance Measure and Insights: Statistics and trends for Adult Concerns, Child Concerns and incidents relevant to mental health. Statistics and outcomes of use of crisis resolution team. Qualitative information of engagement and partnership working. Update on Philomena and Herbert protocols. 70
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26 Area of Focus: Youth Engagement Local Objective: Enhance our existing approaches to engagement with children and young people. Milestones: In partnership with North Ayrshire Council’s Connected Communities, improve engagement with elected youth representatives, youth volunteers, and youth groups. Improve engagement with care-experienced young people and Champions Boards. Participate in local Corporate Parenting planning groups. Support outcomes of North Ayrshire Council’s Children Services Plan. Community Wellbeing Unit to monitor youth offending (aged 12 and over) and identify opportunities for intervention and diversion. Support the continuous professional development of Campus Officers to ensure they have the skills and knowledge to support young people. Promote and maintain our Police Scotland Youth Volunteer (PSYV) scheme in North Ayrshire. Update Expected: Quarterly Performance Measure and Insights: Qualitative information on engagement activity. Community Wellbeing Unit activity with young people. Qualitative information on PSYV activity. 71
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27 Local Priority: Road Safety Area of Focus: Drink / Drug Driving Local Objective: To proactively undertake road policing patrols to identify and respond to reports of drink / drug drivers. Milestones: Undertake intelligence-led road policing patrols to identify offenders. Design and implement action plans in support of local and national road safety campaigns. Support relevant national and local social media campaigns by Police Scotland and our partners. Update Expected: Quarterly Performance Measure and Insights: Crime statistics and trends. Qualitative information on the outcome of campaigns and initiatives. 72
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28 Area of Focus: Speeding Local Objective: To improve road safety through education and enforcement activity to address the dangers of speeding. Milestones: Address speeding concerns identified by the local community and carry out static speed checks in identified ‘hot spot’ areas. Undertake road policing patrols based on analytical assessment of areas that present greatest threat, risk and harm. Engage with schools and colleges to influence driver behaviour through education and awareness raising. Support relevant national and local social media campaigns by Police Scotland and our partners. Update Expected: Quarterly Performance Measure and Insights: Crime statistics. Qualitative information on the outcome of campaigns and initiatives. 73
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29 Area of Focus: Serious Injury and Fatal Accidents Local Objective: Positively influence driver and road user behaviour with the intention of reducing injury on our roads. Milestones: Encourage the safe use of vehicles on roads and undertake intelligence-led road policing patrols to address dangerous driving. Undertake road policing patrols based on analytical assessment of areas of greatest threat, risk and harm. Address road policing concerns identified by the local community. Effectively investigate all serious and fatal road traffic collisions. Engage with schools and colleges to influence driver behaviour through education and awareness raising. Work closely with the Ayrshire Roads Alliance and partners to address local safety concerns. Support relevant national and local social media campaigns by Police Scotland and our partners. Update Expected: Quarterly Performance Measure and Insights: Serious injury and fatalities statistics and trends. Qualitative information on the outcome of campaigns and initiatives. Qualitative information on the trends of contributory factors and causes. 74
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30 Governance and Performance Police Scotland has developed a national performance framework which allows the service to monitor activity and measure progress; accurately deploy resources; and demonstrate how successful we are in meeting our key priorities and objectives as set out in this plan. Measure of progress against the five national outcomes are reported to the Scottish Police Authority on a quarterly basis. Police performance will be scrutinised by North Ayrshire Council’s Police and Fire and Rescue Committee. The Local Policing Commander, accompanied by the Area Commander for North Ayrshire, will provide regular reports to the committee on the objectives and milestones identified in this Plan. In addition, Locality Policing supervisors and officers will attend other public meetings to provide updates on police performance and engage to better understand local issues and concerns. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Our work is underpinned by our commitment to equality and diversity both in our dealings with the public and our own staff. We are committed to developing and promoting best practice in the delivery of our Equality outcomes. These can be found along with our commitment and duties to equality, diversity & inclusion at: https://www.scotland.police.uk/about-us/equality-and-diversity/. In North Ayrshire we deliver a policing style that meets the differing needs of the communities we serve and we are dedicated to promoting equality within our own workforce. We realise that every Police Officer, Special Constable and member of Police Staff is responsible for delivering a fair and professional service, promoting equality for all. We are committed to being an anti-discriminatory service. This plan was subject to an Equalities and Human Rights Impact Assessment (EqHRIA) in compliance with the Scottish Public Sector Equality Duty. This Local Police Plan can be made available in various alternative formats. For more information, please contact us via our online form: https://www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/. 75
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31 Ethics and Values Police Scotland’s code of ethics sets out the standards we expect of all our employees and the standards that the public can expect to ensure we provide a professional service to all. Encompassing the values of Integrity Fairness and Respect and our commitment to human rights, the code is designed to help us provide positive outcomes and improve the safety and wellbeing of people, places and communities in Scotland. In North Ayrshire, we are continually working to ensure that these values and the code are understood by all our officers and staff and are preserved in all of our decisions and actions. Engaging with us Local Area Commander Police Scotland Irvine Police Office Kilwinning Road Irvine KA12 8RR Dial 999 for an emergency that requires urgent Police attention. For non-emergency contact, call 101, the single non-emergency number. If you have information about crime in your area and wish to provide it anonymously, call CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555111. Service users who are deaf or have a hearing impairment can contact Police Scotland via TextRelay on 18001 101 for non-emergency, or 18000 in an emergency. For more detailed information on how to contact your local officers please refer to the ‘Your Community’ section of our website at: https://www.scotland.police.uk/your-community/ayrshire/north-ayrshire/ 76
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32 Meaningful and effective engagement involves genuine dialogue, respect, integrity, transparency and accountability. It provides an opportunity for people to shape our services and influence decisions made. Insight from effective engagement helps identify practical solutions and determine changes required to meet the needs of the communities we serve. Police Scotland is committed to continuous improvement in all that we do. If you have something to tell us about our service, please contact us at: https://www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/ Further information about our wider engagement can be found in our consultation and engagement hub at: https://consult.scotland.police.uk/ Police Scotland has a number of active social media channels that provide a range of information and insight into policing, both nationally and in your local area. A full list of our social media accounts can be found on our website. Our local channels can be found at: @AyrshireNPolice and @AyrshirePolice Ayrshire Police Division Please note that our social media channels are not monitored 24/7 and should not be used for reporting crime. 77
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NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 7 February 2023 Police and Fire and Rescue Committee Title: Elected Members Briefings: The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 and Operation Moonbeam Purpose: To provide the Committee with an update on (i) recent and upcoming legislative changes relating to fireworks and (ii) Operation Moonbeam. Recommendation: The Committee is asked to note the contents of the Briefings set out at Appendices 1, 2, 3 and 4. 1. Executive Summary 1.1 At the last meeting of the Committee on 14 November 2022, the Committee was provided with verbal updates from the Fire and Rescue Service, Police Scotland and the Council’s Streetscene Service in relation to Operation Moonbeam, Police Scotland’s national response to a variety of offences and incidents arising in relation to Bonfire Night. 1.2 The Committee agreed that the Senior Manager, Legal Services, should prepare a Briefing Note on (i) Legislation surrounding the provision of fireworks; and (ii) Operation Moonbeam, including information from Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Streetscene. 1.3 A Briefing Note on legislation surrounding the provision of fireworks is attached at Appendix 1. This is to inform the Committee’s understanding of the legislative changes and future changes which have not yet been brought into force. 1.4 A Briefing Note provided by Streetscene on Operation Moonbeam is attached at Appendix 2. 1.5 A Briefing Note provided by Police Scotland on Operation Moonbeam is attached at Appendix 3. 1.6 A Briefing Note provided by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service on Operation Moonbeam is attached at Appendix 4. 2. Background 2.1 The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 was introduced in 2022, although most of the provisions did not come into force immediately. Regulations introduced on 21 September 2022 brought some parts of the Act into force, creating a new offence of providing fireworks or pyrotechnic articles to children and ensuring that any offences involving a firework or pyrotechnic article will be treated as aggravated offences if carried out against an emergency worker. Further detail on the legislation is set out in the Briefing Note at Appendix 1. Agenda Item 6 79
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2.2 On and around 5 November 2022, Police Scotland, the Fire and Rescue Service and the Council’s Streetscene Service worked collaboratively to respond to incidents and offences arising in relation to Bonfire Night. Feedback from each of the Services is set out in Appendices 2, 3 and 4. 3. Proposals 3.1 The Committee is asked to note the contents of the Briefings set out at Appendices 1, 2, 3 and 4. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 None. Human Resources 4.2 None. Legal 4.3 The Briefing Note at Appendix 1 gives an overview of recent and prospective legislative changes. The Briefing Note is intended to outline the current position and is for advisory purposes only. Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 None. Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 None. Key Priorities 4.6 The attached Briefing Notes have implications for the Council priorities of ensuring that people and communities are safe. Community Wealth Building 4.7 None. 5. Consultation 5.1 None. Aileen Craig Head of Democratic Services For further information please contact Raymond Lynch, Senior Manager (Legal Services) 80
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by email to raymondlynch@north-ayrshire.gov.uk. Background Papers 0 81
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Appendix 1 – Members Briefing – The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 Summary of current position The use of fireworks in Scotland is subject to the Fireworks (Scotland) Regulations 2004. The Regulations were amended on 30 June 2021. Under the 2004 Regulations, as amended, fireworks should generally only be used between 6pm and 11pm. There are a number of exceptions to the general rule, however, and these are set out below: • Any person who is employed by a local authority may use fireworks outwith these hours for the purposes of putting on a firework display by the local authority or at a national public celebration or a national commemorative event. • Fireworks may be used between 6pm and midnight on 5 November and between 6pm and 1am on New Year’s Eve, the night of Chinese New Year and the night of Diwali. • Community groups (including charitable, religious, recreational and political organisations) may use fireworks between 7am and 6pm for public displays. Public displays are fireworks displays at which the public, or a section of the public, are present (whether or not they have paid to be). • Professional organisers or operators of firework displays and their employees may use fireworks between 7am and 6pm for public displays. • Businesses involved in the supply of fireworks who use fireworks in connection with that business may use fireworks between 7am and 6pm. • Regulatory authorities (i.e. the Chief Constable of the Police Service of Scotland, the Health and Safety Executive, a local authority or a weights and measures authority) who are exercising their powers or duties in connection with the use and/or regulation of fireworks may use fireworks between 7am and 6pm. In addition, local authorities can grant a dispensation to allow certain people to use fireworks outside the permitted hours for the purpose of putting on a firework display either in the course of their business or at a national public celebration or a national commemorative event. This dispensation is available to professional organisers of firework displays, anyone employed by the UK Government or by the Scottish Executive or an agency of the Scottish Executive, or any person employed by an establishment of the naval, military or air forces. Applications for dispensation must be received by the local authority at least 6 weeks prior to the proposed fireworks display or event. The 2004 Regulations, as amended, also restrict the manner in which fireworks may be supplied to members of the public in Scotland: no more than 5kg may be supplied at any one time, and they can only be sold between 7am and 6pm. Recent changes brought in by The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations 2022 Summary The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 was introduced in 2022. Most of the Act did not come into force immediately. The only provisions which had immediate effect were sections governing administrative matters, including powers for the Scottish Ministers to make Regulations to bring the rest of the Act into force. On 21 September 2022 the Scottish Ministers made the first set of Regulations under the Act: The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022. These came into force on 10 October 2022. The Regulations bring certain sections of the 2022 Act into effect, to create a new offence of providing fireworks or pyrotechnic articles to children (the “proxy purchase and supply offence”) and to ensure that any offences involving a firework or pyrotechnic article against emergency workers will now be treated as aggravated offences. 82
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Meaning of “Pyrotechnic Article” For the purposes of the 2022 Act, a pyrotechnic article is an article which contains explosive substances or an explosive mixture of substances designed to produce heat, light, sound, gas or smoke or a combination of such effects through self-sustained exothermic chemical reactions, but which is not a projectile, propelling charge or blank ammunition used in a portable firearm, other gun or artillery. Examples of pyrotechnic articles include special effect items used on stage and in film and television, such as maroons and stage gerbs, as well as distress flares, distress rockets and paintball accessories such as smoke devices. The proxy purchase and supply offence A new offence was introduced on 10 October 2022 of knowingly buying or attempt to buy, give or in any way make fireworks or pyrotechnic articles available to people under the age of 18. There are a number of exceptions to the general rule, which are outlined below. Police Scotland are responsible for enforcing the offence. If convicted, someone may be imprisoned for up to six months and/or given a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale (currently £5,000). The court can also make an order for the forfeiture or disposal of any firework or pyrotechnic article to which the offence relates or which is possessed by the person convicted. A constable may search a person or stop and search a vehicle without a warrant if they have reasonable grounds for suspecting that a person has committed the offence. A warrant will be required to enter and search premises. If the offence is committed by an organisation then a responsible official of the organisation (or someone purporting to act as a responsible official) may be also be held to have committed the offence. This will be the case if the individual in question has consented to the offence being committed, or it has been committed due to that person’s neglect. A responsible official may be the director, secretary or manager of a company; a partner in a partnership; or a member of a limited liability partnership or a company that is managed by members. A responsible official can also be anyone who is concerned in the management or control of any other type of body or association. The proxy purchase and supply offence – Exceptions 1. Category F1 fireworks and percussion caps for toy guns intended for use by children under the age of 14 There is no prohibition on providing these types of fireworks or pyrotechnic articles to people under the age of 18. F1 fireworks are fireworks which present a very low hazard and negligible noise level which are intended for use in confined areas, including inside domestic buildings. Examples include small sparklers, ice fountains, Christmas crackers and party poppers. 2. Visual distress signals (in appropriate circumstances) It is legal to provide someone under the age of 18 with a pyrotechnic article which is designed to be used as a visual distress signal, such as a distress flare, provided that the person providing it intends the child or young person to use it only in appropriate circumstances, for example to signal for help whilst sailing. 3. The person under 18 works as a professional organiser or operator of fireworks or pyrotechnic displays It will not be an offence to provide a firework or pyrotechnic article to someone under 18 if it is done for the purposes of putting on a fireworks display or pyrotechnics display for their employer or in the course of their business. 4. The person under 18 requires to possess or use the firework or pyrotechnic article in connection with their education, training or employment 83
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No offence will be committed if the firework or pyrotechnic article is necessary for the purposes of education, training or employment and the person providing it intends for it to be used only for that purpose. 5. The person under 18 is a public servant or volunteer in a similar role and the firework or pyrotechnic article is provided to them in connection with activities they are undertaking as a member of such a force, service or organisation It is legal to provide fireworks or pyrotechnic articles to people under 18 if they are a member of the naval, military or air forces (including reserve forces) of His Majesty or of another country when that member is serving with the armed forces of His Majesty. It will also be legal to provide such items to a member of the Combined Cadet Force, the Sea Cadet Corps, the Volunteer Cadet Corps, the Army Cadet Force, the Air Training Corps, or a cadet force of another country when the member is undertaking activities with one of the aforementioned cadet forces or with the armed forces of His Majesty. Fireworks and pyrotechnic articles may also be provided to members of any service or organisation whose functions include law enforcement, search and rescue services or the preservation of life. Aggravation of offences against emergency workers From 10 October 2022, any offence committed against an emergency worker which involves the use of a firework or pyrotechnic article which is currently lit or ignited (or which has recently been lit or ignited) will be an aggravated offence. The courts must take this into account when determining the appropriate sentence for such offences. For these purposes, an emergency worker includes someone acting in their capacity as:- • A police constable • A fire fighter • A person acting for the Scottish Ambulance Service Board, such as a paramedic or emergency care assistant • A registered medical practitioner • A registered nurse • A registered midwife • A prison officer • A member of His Majesty’s Coastguard • A member of the crew of a vessel operated by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution or any other person or organisation operating a vessel for the purpose of providing a water rescue service, or a person who musters the crew of such a vessel or attends to its launch • A social worker whilst taking action required or permitted by a child protection order or an emergency order for removal of a child • A mental health officer • A member of a relevant police force who is executing a warrant or otherwise acting in Scotland by virtue of any enactment conferring powers on them in Scotland, or a person who is carrying out functions as a member of an international joint investigation team that is led either by such a person or by a police constable • A constable of the British Transport Police Anyone who is assisting any of the above people in responding to an emergency circumstance is also considered to be an emergency worker for these purposes. Anticipated future changes: provisions of the 2022 Act which have not yet been brought into force The following are expected to be brought into force this Parliamentary year: 84
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• A new offence of being in possession of a pyrotechnic article (other than an F1 firework) in a public place without reasonable excuse. Regulations are expected to be laid before Parliament by spring 2023. • A new offence of being in possession of any pyrotechnic article (including F1 fireworks) at a designated sporting or music venue or event without reasonable excuse. Regulations are expected to be laid before Parliament by spring 2023. • New powers for Local Authorities to designate a place as a firework control zone. It would become an offence for a person to let off a firework in a firework control zone on a day that the zone has effect. Before designating a place as a firework control zone the local authority would require to consult with members of the local community which will be affected by the proposal and anyone else who has an interest in it. It is expected that local authorities will be required to regularly review the operation and effectiveness of their firework control zones. Guidance will be developed in partnership with both communities and stakeholders. These powers are expected to commence in early summer 2023. • Provisions restricting the days when fireworks can be supplied, when they can be used and who they can be used by are expected to come into force in late spring or early summer 2023. Businesses are being given time to adapt their processes and existing stock in line with the changes. These provisions will introduce new offences of having or using fireworks without a fireworks licence, or supplying fireworks to an unlicensed person. Fireworks licences will be granted by the Scottish Ministers and local authorities will not be involved in the process. 85
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Appendix 2 – Members Briefing – Streetscene Update on Operation Moonbeam Background The Streetscene Service has been working with partners from Community Safety, Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue service for over a decade now to support these services in the run up to November 5th each year. The service allocated two officers to support the programme and the Area Officer for the Three Towns and Flytipping Officer both attended the launch meeting on 5th September 2022. The primary role for the Streetscene service is to remove combustible materials to minimise the risk of illegal fires that can cause further fire risk to property and injury to persons. In the weeks leading up to bonfire night the housing estate wardens and Streetscene enforcement officers are especially vigilant seeking out any possible storage or stockpiling of combustible materials. Where sites are located, they are reported through to the operations team for removal. Costs for removal and disposal of materials on public land are met by the Streetscene Service, where materials are removed from housing land or a tenants garden the costs burden is met by the Housing Service. Where there are materials or bonfires constructed on private land the Streetscene service will provide the landowner with a price for removal and provided a purchase order is raised the material will be removed. In areas where materials are stored on private land removals can be more challenging with private landowners or their appointed factors not always responding to engagement from the Council. Summary of Streetscene Operations Moonbeam activity for 2022 Detailed below are the locations where combustible materials were removed: • Lundholm Road in three locations • Access service road to the rear of Lundholm Road • New Street, Rear of the Primary school • Small bonfire removed from Pladda Avenue irvine • Laughlan Way car park • Several areas within Pennyburn where we were able to Liaise with Riverside to remove • Bonfire Against stored against Drs Surgery @ Central Ave – Ardrossan • 14 Hyslop Rd Steveston (FPN Issued) • St Andrews Garage Site • 74 Misk Knowes Stevenston • Holehouse Road Largs In addition to the removals the enforcement team issued four fixed penalty notices for fly tipping of combustible materials at bonfire sites. Below are photographs of 3 of the sites which gives some context and scale to the amount of combustible materials removed. The site at Misk Knowes which was a domestic property being uses as a bulking up location in particular had a large tonnage removed. Misk Knowes. Hyslop Road 86
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Page 1 FOR INFORMATION Yes Author/Contact Inspector Stuart Dougan Department / Unit Locality Policing (North Ayrshire) Date Created Monday 16 January 2023 Telephone 01294 404550 Attachments: N/A BRIEFING PAPER – FOR THE ATTENTION OF THE NORTH AYRSHIRE POLICE FIRE AND REFORM COMMITTEE PURPOSE The purpose of this briefing paper is to provide the Police Fire and Reform Committee (PFRC) with an overview in relation to the successful North Ayrshire approach to Operation Moonbeam. FORWARD PLANNING The weeks preceding ‘bonfire night’ each year have traditionally seen an increase in calls to Police Scotland in relation to the use of fireworks and the building of ‘community’ bonfires both on public and private land. Recognising the importance of early intervention and effective collaborative working with key partners, locality policing officers met in October 2022 in order to identify problematic areas where in the past bonfires have been constructed by members of the public who have not applied to host an organised event. Following the initial discussions, meetings were extended to the inclusion of North Ayrshire Streetscene and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, who provided information from their own systems and data. The collation of information from all three areas allowed focused plans to be created, ensuring that early intelligence led to early intervention and the prevention of large dangerous bonfires. In September 2022, a Prevention First meeting was held with partners to facilitate the coordinated multi- agency response to sharing of intelligence and information in relation to the construction of dangerous bonfires and the use of fireworks. This meeting included, anti-social behaviour officers, ASB teams, Trading standards, CCTV control and Housing staff. The outcome of this meeting was a clear understanding of each organisations role and ability to assist in ensuring public safety over the week leading up to 5th and 6th November (Saturday and Sunday). On the week running up to the weekend of the 5th and 6th November LPT officers visited the focussed areas to ascertain if there was evidence of a bonfire being constructed. This was communicated with the Streetscene team within the council who in turn would attend and remove items that were going to be used to build a bonfire. If the material was discovered on private land the land owner was spoken to Appendix 3 - Members Briefing – Police Scotland Update on Operation Moonbeam 89
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Page 2 around the intentions of the material and the plan for disposal to ensure the material was not part of a constructed bonfire. One area of good work was highlighted when officers attended an address in Misk Knowes, Stevenston and engaged with the householder (council tenant). It was identified that there was a large amount of household waste (in excess of what would be reasonable from one house – See Appendix 1) within the rear garden. This coupled with information that this material was being collected to be used in the coming days for a large bonfire in the Ardeer area allowed officers to contact NAC Streetscene. The following day a North Ayrshire Council team deployed to clear the material from the house and prevent this being used in a large bonfire. The householder was then referred to the NAC Anti social behaviour team and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to carry out a visit to provide guidance and warning around their behaviours. POLICE INCIDENTS Friday 04 November 2022 Katrine Place, Irvine – Rubbish Fire (officers on patrol observed and fire service contacted and extinguish) Muirpark Road, Beith – call to police stating fireworks were being let off Holehouse Road Largs – illegal bonfire (anon caller/ fire service contacted to attend and extinguish) Burns Crescent, Irvine – Call stating fireworks were being let off (anon caller to police stating fireworks being let off are affecting her dog) Chemring (Ardeer) –fireworks being let off near the site (site security reporting fireworks being let off near to the site) Saturday 05 November 2022 New England Road, Saltcoats – Bonfire at locus which has members of the public in attendance (SFRS aware) – Officers attended and engaged with the organiser of the bonfire – cordons in place and SFRS were aware and attending at the end of the night to extinguish. Trelawney Terrace, Stevenston – Bonfire and fireworks being set off – officers attended and spoke with adults supervising a medium sized bonfire – fire under control and no further action taken. Dalry Road, Kilbirnie – Fireworks being set off (named reporter reporting fireworks being let off) Culzean Place, Kilwinning – fireworks being let off St Margarets Road, Ardrossan – SFRS attending small bonfire (police requested as this area has been a site of previous attacks on Fires service) – no issues on this occasion Maree Place, Irvine – SFRS attending small bonfire Central Avenue, Ardrossan – Youths letting off fireworks (caller to police stating youths letting off fireworks) 90
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Page 3 Sunday 06 November 2022 Police received no calls during the afternoon/evening or night in relation to bonfire or fireworks being let off. Officers from LPT were deployed from 1700 hours to 2000 hours to attend the planned for Fireworks display at Saltcoats. CRIMINALITY This year saw the introduction of a new offence under Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 (see appendix 2) as well as existing offences under common law and Fireworks Act 2003. Over the period of 4th – 6th November 2022 there were no crimes noted under the Fireworks Act or the Fireworks and Pyrothechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022. There were no attacks on police officers attending and dealing with firework and bonfire related calls and there were no attacks on fire service crews attending calls. Colleagues from Streetscene were able to undertake their role whilst not subject to verbal or physical attack. Whilst the national media highlighted scenes of large scale disorder in parts of the country – there were no calls of disorder relating to bonfire night in North Ayrshire. LEARNING AND PROGRESSION The multi partner approach in the run up to 5th November 2022 allowed the swift sharing of information, coordinated action and enforcement to ensure public safety in the run up to the 5th November. New legistlation which will hopefully be available in 2023 will provide police and trading standards more powers in relation to the sale and possession of pyrotechnics and fireworks. Daily communication in the week running up to the 5th allowed sharing of real time information, ensured appropriate response to intelligence and enhanced partnership situational awareness. This ensured problems were addressed timeously and prevented escalation and additional resources for all partners. This also allowed for swift enforcement through ASB teams and housing along with fire safety visits to be targeted where required. It will be proposed this year that a daily Teams call amongst all partners (30th October to 5th November) to share information and update on events across the sub division would be beneficial. A co-ordinated media strategy should be adopted across all partners to ensure reliable and consistent messages are communicated to the public. This will be important to allow agencies to identify groups who are planning to have a community bonfire/fireworks display who have not engaged with NAC or SFRS prior to the event. Early engagement with these groups will allow some control over the composition of the bonfire/public safety advice and input from SFRS. The inclusion of Police/SFRS joint inputs to secondary schools in October will assist in cascading the fire safety message and also highlight legislation around the possession of fireworks and pyrotechnics to youths within the communities. CONCLUSION Communities across North Ayrshire will continue to develop local bonfire sites and fireworks displays around the 5th November. These do not require a licence and although they appeared ‘organised events’ they are not often not known to agencies. There will be engagement through housing/ Locality police officers/ SFRS and Streetscene to identify the potential organisers of these events to ensure early engagement/enforcement and safety advice. With new legislation to be introduced (hopefully 2023) this will ensure enforcement around the sale and possession of fireworks and pyrotechnics. 91
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Page 4 It is recognised that the Police received calls from the public in relation to fireworks and bonfires, this was only a small number of calls on both nights which resulted in no crimes being identified. It was also positive that colleagues at SFRS were not subject to any attacks in the communities when dealing with calls in the communities and members of the public engaged well with police who attended bonfires. The multi-agency approach has been successful and through development will continue to be the framework for Operation Moonbeam in 2023 in North Ayrshire. CONCLUSION Submitted for the information and attention of Police Fire and Reform Committee Members. 92
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Page 5 Appendix 1 Images obtained of the storage of ‘bonfire material’ at 74 Misk Knowes, Stevenston 93
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Page 6 Appendix 2 Fireworks and Pyrothechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 passed by Scottish parliament June 22 and Royal assent August 2022. The Act includes an offence, which prohibits the supply of fireworks and other pyrotechnic articles to children, namely: Section 21 It is an offence to (a) knowingly buy or attempt to buy a firework or pyrotechnic article for a person under the age of 18, (b) give or otherwise make available a firework or other pyrotechnic article to a person under the age of 18. This offence is introduced from Monday, 10 October, 2022 and anyone in breach of the legislation will be subject to a fine of £5,000, a six-month prison term, or both. This type of offence is known as proxy purchase or proxy supply, and there are already similar offences in relation to adults supplying products such as alcohol and tobacco to children. An aggravator for emergency workers will also be introduced on 10 October: Section 44 An offence is aggravated by the use of a firework or pyrotechnic article if: a) The offence is committed in a manner that involves the use of a firework or pyrotechnic article which is currently lit or ignited (or which has recently been lit or ignited) and b) A victim (or intended victim) of the offence is an emergency worker. An emergency worker is defined as per the Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005. Police Scotland have enforcement responsibility for the new proxy purchase and supply offence. Offences in relation to the commercial supply of fireworks and other pyrotechnic articles will continue to be enforced by Trading Standards. 94
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Page 7 The commercial supply of fireworks and other pyrotechnics articles continues to be subject to existing legislation. The provisions for two new pyrotechnic offences are subject to further legislation and parliamentary scrutiny before they can be commenced. As a result it is likely that the following two offences will not be introduced until early to mid 2023. Section 35 It will be an offence for a person without reasonable excuse to possess a pyrotechnic article in a public place. Exemptions include, (a) in connection with person’s employment or (b) It is in connection with the person undertaking an activity where it is appropriate to possess the article for use as a visible distress signal. Section 36 (1) It will be an offence for a person without reasonable excuse to possess a pyrotechnic article whilst the person is in a designated venue or whilst at a designated event. This includes sports ground, sporting and music events. 2.3 Section 22 of the Act will not be introduced until 2023. This will apply a restriction on the days of supply of fireworks, specifically the sale of fireworks which will only be permitted on: Vaisakhi (7-14 April), Guy Fawkes Day (27 October-10 November), Hogmanay (26 December-31 December), The first day of Chinese New Year and 3 days immediately preceding it and The first day of Diwali and 3 days immediately preceding it. The new licensing system will apply to category F2 and F3 fireworks and will not be introduced until late 2023 or early 2024 Consumer fireworks are categorised as Category F1, F2 or F3 Category F1 fireworks are indoor or close proximity fireworks with minimal safety distances (e.g. 1m) Category F2 fireworks are outdoor fireworks with spectator safety distances of at least 8m Category F3 fireworks are outdoor fireworks with spectator safety distances of at least 25m Category F4 fireworks are for professional use only. Section 4 – It is an offence for a person without reasonable excuse to purchase, acquire, possess or use a firework without having a firework licence. This legislation will extend to include an offence for a person, without reasonable excuse to supply a firework to a person who does not have a licence. Guidance will be issued by the Scottish Government to those wishing to apply for a fireworks licence and the applicant will be required to meet the criteria outlined in the Bill and pay a fee. 95
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OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Page 8 Firework control zones will apply to category F2, F3 an F4 Fireworks and are likely to be introduced in late 2023. Section 27 (2) It will be an offence for a person to ignite a firework, knowingly or recklessly throw a lit firework or fire a firework into a control zone. Guidance will be developed in consultation with Police Scotland and the 32 Local Authorities and will be designed to allow the opportunity for community engagement. Ultimately the firework control zones will give the local authorities the autonomy to designate a place within their area as a firework control zone, amend a zone (including the period for which it is to have effect or days on which it will operate) or revoke a zone. The provisions in relation to the firework licensing system and firework control zones still require further legislation and guidance before they can commence and operate to their full intended effect, similar to the restriction on the days of supply of fireworks. 96
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1 BONFIRES DEMAND REDUCTION OVERVIEW OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER 2022 The purpose of this report is to update North Ayrshire Police & Fire and Rescue Committee on the actions taken to prevent and respond to deliberate fire incidents during the months of October and November 2022. The actions outlined within this document are designed to complement those of other agencies operating within the North Ayrshire local authority area, and are specifically intended to minimise the impact on local communities during the aforesaid period of time. The North Ayrshire Local Fire and Rescue Plan details the local priorities for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. The current plan contains a priority that relates to the reduction of fires that are set deliberately. This priority includes a commitment to: a) Identifying those parts of North Ayrshire affected by deliberate fire setting, and to share this information with local partners. b) Utilising Fire Reach, Firesetters and other educational programmes to raise an awareness of the impact of fire related anti-social behaviour. c) Work with partners to develop joint strategies to reduce the risk posed by deliberate fire setting and to mitigate its impacts. The months of October and November are historically noted as being busier periods for the fire and rescue service due to annual 5th of November celebrations. As well as potentially delaying the fire and rescue service’s mobilisation to more serious incidents, deliberate fire setting can far too often result in injury, property damage and environmental pollution. Subsequently, this has resulted in a bespoke North Ayrshire Bonfire Protocol being developed to further enhance interaction between partner organisations and local communities during the aforesaid months. Appendix 4 - Members Briefing - Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Update on Operation Moonbeam 97
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2 The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service records its attendance to all incidents and uses this information to help shape future interventions and report upon progress within each of its Local Areas. The information that has been produced for this report has been taken from a bespoke ‘all deliberate secondary fires’ indicator for the months of October and November only, and includes: Ward 2018/19 2019/20 2020/21 2021/22 2022/23 Ardrossan 15 27 16 5 6 Arran 0 0 0 0 0 Garnock Valley 8 9 12 9 6 Irvine East 2 10 15 6 6 Irvine South 8 6 14 5 9 Irvine West 12 10 9 7 7 Kilwinning 12 6 4 8 1 North Coast 4 10 5 1 2 Saltcoats and Stevenston Totals 22 83 11 91 19 94 16 57 15 52 The targeted approaches employed during the weeks prior to the 5th of November included: • Active use of social media; with bespoke messages being communicated to North Ayrshire local communities. • Participation and sharing of information during frequent Operation Moonbeam partnership meetings. • Firework and bonfire safety information being published within various landlords and tenant talk e-magazines. • Targeted multi-agency approach to premises located across Stevenston; mostly due to the storage of flammable materials within garden areas. • Targeted multi-agency visits to commercial premises across the Stevenston area. Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews and Community Action Team members visited the following secondary schools prior to the 5th of November: • Kilwinning Academy, S1 – S3 pupils: Firework and bonfire safety information was provided to approximately 300 pupils at this location. • Largs Academy, S1 – S6 pupils: Firework and bonfire safety information was provided to approximately 1,150 pupils and local residents at this location. 98
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3 • Ardrossan Academy, various classes: Firework and bonfire safety information was provided to approximately 800 pupils at this location. • Greenwood Academy, S1 – S4 pupils: Firework and bonfire safety information was provided to approximately 1,150 pupils and local residents at this location. Various Primary Schools were also visited and presented with firework and bonfire safety information. Furthermore, firework and bonfire safety information and advice was also supplied to teachers and partner organisations to support them with their own safety campaigns. They were no acts of violence recorded for fire crews operating across the wider Ayrshire area during the 4th - 6th of November 2022. However, as a precautionary measure, local fire crews, within several identified community fire stations, co- responded to incidents alongside colleagues from Police Scotland during this time. 99
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