Agenda item

INNER SOUTH COMMUNITY COMMITTEE UPDATE REPORT

To consider the report of the Head of Locality Partnerships providing an update on the work that the Communities Team is engaged in, based on priorities identified by the Community Committee. It also provides opportunities to request further information on a particular issue.

Minutes:

The report of the Head of Locality Partnerships brought Member’s attention to an update of the work in which the Communities Team was engaged in based on priorities identified by the Community Committee. It also provided opportunities for further questioning or to request a more detailed report on a particular issue.

 

The Localities Officer introduced the report, and the following points were highlighted:

  • An update from the Children’s and Families Champion was available at page 19 of the report, detailing that on the 9th of September 2024, a subgroup meeting had been held, with the Youth Service, St Luke’s CARE and Forward Leeds in attendance. The Inner South Youth Summit had been arranged for the 5th of February 2025.
  • An update from the Environment and Community Safety Champion was available at page 20 of the report, detailing that on the 7th of November 2024, a subgroup meeting had been held, with updates provided from West Yorkshire Police (WYP), LASBT, Selective Licensing, Housing, Cleaner Neighbourhoods Team, Refuse, Climate Energy and Greenspaces.

WYP Inspector Mark Lund, attending the Committee and provided and update on recent crime statistics:

·  Crime data for the Inner South displayed an overall reduction, however, WYP were mindful of trends, with crime levels rising over the winter.

·  In contextualising crime and anti-social behaviour, it was noted that figures for off road bike misuse did not reflect the full scope of the issue and was difficult to quantify and often under reported, however, further training and the gathering of intelligence was ongoing.

·  There was a day of action in Cottingley ongoing on the 21st of November 2024, involving relevant partners to reduce anti-social behaviour and address organised crime.

·  Data showed a reduction in reports of sex work in the Beeston area, it was noted this was still an issue, but work was ongoing and the reduction in reports from residents may coincide with the closure of nearby trap houses. 

·  Serious, violent, criminal incidents had occurred in the Beeston and Belle Isle area, with investigations currently sensitive but an update would be provided to Members when the further information was made public. These incidents were gang related, posed little risk to the general public and individuals had been identified for investigation and possible prosecution.

 

In response to questions from Members, the following points were discussed:

  • The serious incidents within Beeston and Belle Isle had led to some public concern, however, had occurred during the Middleton Park Christmas lights switch on, where the community had not been deterred.
  • There had been a reduction in the issues surrounding community tension that had occurred during the summer. Considering community feedback in regards to the recent serious incidents, the public were aware of the lower scale risk posed to them but practical work to reiterate communications and keep the public up to date was needed to reduce fear and increase positive Police perception.
  • Use of E-bikes, particularly in Cross Flatts Park had led to feelings of intimidation within the community and although not considered serious crime, residents needed to feel safe when using public open spaces. This issue, and associated anti-social behaviour, had somewhat increased tension between different demographics, such as between young and older people. WYP were to enhance Police presence in areas of high concern.
  • A patrol plan was in place, covering Belle Isle and Cross Flatts Park in order to reassure the community and deter further crime, following the serious violent incidents.
  • A walk and talk pilot scheme was being run in the Outer South area, with the hope to expand it to the Inner South once logistics had been worked out. Members were encouraged to discuss and promote this scheme with WYP.
  • It was suggested that WYP could review and track crime statistics over recent years to analyse whether targeted, gang related crime or general crime was increasing. In response, it was noted that what was considered serious or targeted crime was often subjective but further discussions to address public concern were welcomed.
  • It was outlined that due to the change in definition as to what defined burglary, with recent inclusions covering sheds, garages and allotments, data had been skewed. Residential burglary had reduced but recent burglaries from allotments had increased the figures.
  • An individual had been jailed for theft from motor vehicle crimes and thus, figures for this category of crime had fallen since.
  • It was confirmed that crime data relevant to the Inner South did not cover the Ward city centre boundaries.
  • Given recent instances of anti-social behaviour at Hunslet Carr Primary School, it was confirmed that warnings had been submitted against perpetrators, however, not all the reports had been verified to be associated with the school, or immediate surrounding area.
  • It was agreed that methods to develop a strategy for youth outreach would be sought, including attending the Children’s and Families subgroup meetings, in order to engage with less heard from children.
  • Engagement with youth services and third sector organisations may be a good arena for addressing issues which led young people into involving themselves with anti-social behaviour and crime, whilst considering the resource constraints faced by these organisations. Diverse activities options were also beneficial for keeping young people on the right path.
  • It was confirmed that the Police Cadets based in South Leeds were only able to accommodate 15 cadets at a time due to resource limitations.
  • Members thanked WYP for their work in Belle Isle and Beeston following the serious incidents.

 

RESOLVED – That the contents of the report, along with Members comments, be noted.

 

Supporting documents: