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.