Priority 1:
Drug use and drug dealing hotspots
NHPT have received reports of drug use and drug dealing in certain areas, including the overbridges between the Xscape building and Fishermead, the underpass between Petersfield Green and Oldbrook, the underpass on Silbury Boulevard by Marks & Spencer and the area surrounding the flats on North 9th and North 10th Street, including the overbridges into Conniburrow.

Action:
The NHPT have increased their hi-visibility patrols in the targeted areas in order to prevent and detect crime, whilst gathering intelligence on any person involved and using Stop and Search powers where applicable. We have also been working with Milton Keynes City Council and SERCO to assist in clearing up any remnants of drug use that may cause alarm or harm to the public i.e. needles. NHPT have also been working with local residents and housing associations, offering crime prevention advice and reassurance to best protect the community whilst also working with other partner agencies to make an necessary safeguarding arrangements, whether this be a member of the community affected by the issue or a drug user in need of intervention. Due to the above we have seen a decrease in reports of drug use and dealing but will continue to monitor and take action if necessary.

Priority 2:
Shoplifting & Retail Crime– With such close proximity to the centre:mk, Midsummer Place and Xscape shopping and leisure centres, shopliftings are a common theme for the NHPT, but we have identified through data analysis and joint agency working that the most targeted stores are John Lewis, Marks and Spencer, Michael Kors and Sainbury’s

Action:
Through increased hi-visibility patrols as well as plain clothes patrols and operations from the NHPT, alongside joint working with the newly establish Op Purchase (Retail crime) team and security staff across all shopping establishments, we have cracked down on the top shoplifting offenders and ensured that with thorough investigative work, these offenders are being dealt with robustly and being given custodial sentences at court. The NHPT will continue to provide a hi-visibility presence through the shopping centres and there will be an increase in this in the lead up to Christmas and the New Year, with our seasonal shoplifting prevention operation, Op Decoration, beginning on 30th November. This will see an increase in Police presence at peak shopping times until the New Year which will help prevent and detect crime.

Priority 3:
ASB from the homeless community in residential/commercial buildings - NHPT have received a high number of reports regarding the unauthorised entry, anti-social behaviour and drug use linked to the homeless community in communal areas and stairwells of various residential blocks and commercial establishments throughout the city centre, mainly Apollo House, Lower 12th Street and the Sainsbury’s underground car park on Witan Gate

Action:
For the last 2 or 3 months the NHPT have consistently targeted the above locations, as well as any other locations of note being reported to us, and have robustly dealt with any offenders. We have primarily been dealing with the individuals themselves to tackle this issue head on via the issuing of Community Protection Warnings/Notices and dealing with any criminal offences robustly, whilst also working with residents, management companies and Milton Keynes City Council to reassure tenants and prevent further issues from arising. We have also provided safety and crime prevention advice to management companies in order for them to feel in a better position to help us tackle the issue and report matters to the Neighbourhood Policing Team, whilst working with partner agencies to safeguard any individuals and provide any support where necessary in order to prevent reoffending or repeat behaviour.