Agenda item

To consider a report by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods introducing Inspector Steve Thomas from West Yorkshire Police who will give an update on the Community Safety Issues in Leeds for the past six weeks.

(Council Function)

Inspector Steve Thomas from West Yorkshire Police gave an update on Community Safety issues in the West Leeds  area for the past six weeks and informed the meeting that crime figures continue to reduce and that there are no significant peaks or troughs to report.  It was also reported that the Raynvilles and Broadleas continue to be the hot spot areas of crime and anti-social Behaviour.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

-    The alleged indecency incident and the co-operation given to Police via   the schools involved to brief parents on the incident.

-  The recent arrests on the Fairfield estate which led to the closure of crack   houses.

-  The need to deal with the nuisance caused by youths on motorbikes.

-  The use of CCTV cameras in the Bramley Shopping Centre and whether   there are other areas in Bramley that may warrant CCTV cameras.

Members expressed their delight that crime figures in their Wards are down and their gratitude to Inspector Thomas for the recent Police visits in Bramley.  It was also reported that two really good operations had taken place on the Fairfield and Broadlea estates which also involved a local MP and the West Leeds Area Manager.  The operation involved Police Officers knocking on doors talking and listening to what people had to say about their area.  Residents were also informed about ‘Smart Water’ a UV based liquid for identifying property.

Members reported that an ideal spot for a CCTV camera would be at the elderly residents establishment at Ashlea Court as there had recently been a mugging just by the Globe Public House.  In response, Officers informed the meeting that a key issue is the cost of establishing CCTV schemes linked to Leedswatch and the associated revenue costs which have to be met that requires up to date statistical data to support the case.  Members requested that Inspector Thomas monitor crime levels in this area.

Inspector Thomas also gave a brief presentation on the Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) Armley application referred to in Appendix 1 of the Well-Being Budget application for funding (Minute 13 refers).

A lengthy discussion ensued and specific reference was made to the following issues:

-  Members referred to numerous assaults which occurred outside the   Kentucky Fried Chicken, the petrol station on Tong Road and various

  assaults and anti-social behaviour outside a number of licensed   premises   and fast food shops on Armley Town Street.

-  Members also expressed their concern at the increase in the number of   bookmakers on Armley Town Street.  It was reported that during the day   people seem to congretate outside the bookmaker premises drinking   alcohol. 

-  It was also felt that major violent crimes and murder should be resourced by the Police Authority as it is crime that should be a priority of the Police.

-  Members felt that the Police do not use the new Licensing Laws as they   feel that they have a lot of powers of their own now.  For example, the   Police made no objections to the license for the Upstairs Downstairs Nightclub as no-one from the Police Authority attended that Licensing   Committee meeting where local Ward Members had put their objections   forward. 

-  It was also report that there is a huge problem of alcohol fuelled crime 

  in and around the Lord Cardigan Public House especially in the summer   and in the hot weather.  As early as 6.20 p.m. patrons start throwing   bottles into the car park causing problems for the elderly in St Michael’s   Court and St Peter’s Old People’s Homes which often carries on until   2.00 a.m. or even 3.00 a.m. in the early hours of the morning.

-  The Area Committee agreed that a letter of complaint should be sent on   behalf of this Area Committee to the Rt Hon Jack Straw MP, Secretary of   State for Justice and Lord Chancellor expressing this Committee’s views   in relation to the lack of serious sentences handed out to offenders. 

The Chair thanked Inspector Thomas for his attendance.

RESOLVED - 

(i)  That the contents of the report be noted.

(ii)  That Inspector Thomas be requested to organise a similar operation for   the Armley area and to attend the Armley Forum to promote the use of

  ‘Smart Water’.

(iii)  That the Area Manager be instructed to write a letter on behalf of this   Area Committee expressing their views in relation to the lack of serious   sentences handed out to offenders to Mr Jack Straw, Secretary of   State for Justice and Lord Chancellor.

(Note:  Councillor Taggart arrived at the meeting at approximately 5.40 p.m. during discussions regarding the above item)