Agenda item

 The report of the North West Locality Safety Partnership provides Members of the Inner West Community Committee with an overview of the performance of the West North West Locality Community Safety Partnership. The full report which will be circulated prior to Committee focuses upon the period 1st November 2015 - 31st October 2016.

(Cover report attached)

The report of the North West Locality Partnership provided Members of the Inner West Community Committee with an overview of the performance of the North West Locality Community Safety Partnership. The report focused upon the period 1^st November 2015 - 31^st October 2016.

The report was presented by Inspector Jessup of West Yorkshire Police (WYP) and the Area Community Safety Co-ordinator.

Inspector Jessup provided Members with an update on staffing informing them that recruitment was again taking place.

He informed Members that the crime was on an upwards trend, he was of the view that this was due to low staffing in the area. He explained that WYP were looking at working with the private sector and the third sector to look at and resolve issues in the Inner West area.

The Inspector told Members that lessons had been learnt in Armley and these would be transferred through to Bramley and Kirkstall.

Members noted that General Tasking meetings were taking place to address the main issues and were specifically looking at action plans for Hawksworth Wood Estate. The action plans would set out joint working with other agencies and Housing to identify and target problem families and individuals in the area.

The Inspector spoke of a number of projects and support work that was taking place in the Inner West these included:

·  Basket Ball Project in Armley with Police and Young People

·  Leeds United Football Foundation working with young people to alleviate crime issues

·  Looking at consortium businesses across the area to support apprenticeships and other projects in the Inner West area

Cllr. Lowe said that she was unhappy that Armley was listed 2^nd in the City for burglary. She was disturbed that poor people were stealing from poor people and that this issue needed to be addressed especially in light of benefit changes which could see some claimants worse off. 

She also spoke of the Cumulative Impact Policy which has now been gained by Armley to stop more licensed premises opening on Armley Town Street. She spoke of her efforts to address an issue of a local shopkeeper who is suspected of trading in illegal tobacco and alcohol. Cllr. Lowe asked if Trading Standards and the Police could attend a hearing at the Magistrates Court.

Discussion took place about quad bikes and it was reported by the police that more cases are being reported but that more evidence is required and a warning issued before removing the vehicles.

Members noted that a new sergeant had been recruited to prevent and address the issue of crime in the area.

Members were advised that anti-social behaviour in the Armley and Bramley was high and that there was a need to tackle specific groups known to be causing fear to residents before they become gangs. The Inspector said that more resources were required through partnership working to keep the police informed of incidents.

Cllr. Heselwood raised the issue of incidents relating to taxis being targeted in the area and that she would be in touch with the police and Licensing Authority with regards to this matter.

Members were advised that dispersal orders were being issued in the Inner West area and that extra staff were being drafted in to address this.

RESOLVED – That Members continue supporting the locality Community Safety Partnership in relation to continuing to deliver towards the Safer Leeds priorities through effective partnership working set out by Safer Leeds for 2016/17.

Cllr. Illingworth joined the meeting during this item.