31st October 2014 Issue 019 Chief Constable’s Report Community Outcomes to the Police and Crime Commissioner

Reducing crime and re-offending Crime Down in West House Burglaries 15%

Robberies 10%

Vehicle Crime 5%

West Yorkshire Police is continuing to drive down Temporary Deputy Chief Constable John Robins crime across the county, according to the latest of Police, said: crime statistics released in October. "Once again we are pleased that overall crime has fallen, demonstrating that we are meeting the In total, overall crime in West Yorkshire fell by priorities set out in the Police and Crime Plan for nearly four per cent. The figures, from the Office West Yorkshire. We are tackling the crimes that of National Statistics for the year up to the end of affect our local communities. June 2014, show there were 6,131 fewer victims of crime in the county last year, with big reductions in "It is especially pleasing that we are having a major house burglaries (15 per cent) and robberies (10 impact in reducing house burglaries and robbery. per cent). Vehicle crime has also been reduced by We have reduced the number of victims of five per cent and there were 448 fewer thefts from burglary by 1,943 offences and robbery by 205 people. offences.

While there have been 1,418 more victims of "Our staff are continuing to work incredibly hard violent crime, this is mainly due to increases in against a backdrop of further reductions in funding violence without injury. The number of sex and at a time when the organisation is seeing offences has increased by five per cent. An some of the most significant changes in policing in increase in historic allegations reflects increased its history. victim confidence in reporting these offences to the police. "We are determined to continue to reduce crime and we continue to look for innovative ways to make our communities safer and feeling safer."

How is delivering the Police and Crime Plan Reducing crime and re-offending

New campaign to highlight hate crime

A new online reporting system is being introduced by West Yorkshire Police to encourage victims and witnesses of hate crimes - whether it is verbal, physical or on social media - to report it to the police.

It coincides with a new campaign which aims to give people a better understanding of what hate crime is and what they can do about it.

Targeting someone because of their race, sexual orientation, Re religion, disability or gender identity port it is a hate crime and is taken into consideration by the courts when Sort it sentencing for a criminal offence. Say N Hate crime takes many forms o including verbal abuse, harassment, threats, intimidation, to physical abuse and vandalism. It can have a devastating effect on FOORR POLICEPOLICE a single victim and has the NONNON - EEMERGENCIESMERGENCIES potential to divide communities.

Improvements have been made IN AN EMERGENCY to how hate incident information ALWAYS CALL 9 99 D eaf or speech impaired is recorded to get a better - Te xtphone 07786 200 200 - Text Re understanding of the impact of lay 18001 101 Mark Burns-Williamson your Police & Crime C Livec for We ommissioner national and international events hat st Yorkshire www.westyorkshire. on local communities and police.uk/contactus www.westyorkshire improve and target services for .police.uk/hatecrime victims.

All West Yorkshire’s officers are trained to deal with Anyone with information about a hate incident is hate crimes and we employ specialist Hate Crime asked to report it either by calling 999 in an Co-ordinators to give extra support to victims. The emergency or 101 in a non-emergency, online at quality of our investigations are scrutinised by www.westyorkshire.police.uk/contactus or members of the public so victims get the best www.report-it.org.uk or in person at a police service possible. station.

1 Reducing crime and re-offending

Lock up and light up to beat burglary this winter

Officers are increasing patrols and carrying out targeted operational activity over the coming “Burglars know the price of everything and the months. Members of the public are also reminded value of nothing” – that is the message being to play their part by locking up and lighting up, with highlighted by West Yorkshire Police as part of the longer and darker nights ahead. their latest burglary campaign. Chris Joyce, Force Crime Prevention Officer, said: Now the clocks have gone back, the Force’s “One of the emotions that victims of burglary go autumn and winter burglary campaign aims to through time and time again is regret; our officers make people think about the true cost of burglary are often told by victims that they wish they had – both emotionally and financially. done more. Simple things like they wished they’d lock their door behind them when they got in, or Officers are advising residents on the simple steps had not left their keys and bag by the window for they can take to protect their home and prevent a burglar to see. With the longer and darker nights crime. The winter months can result in an increase now upon us, we are urging residents to consider in burglary because of longer and darker nights, what the true cost of burglary would be to them and houses full of valuables in the run up to and what they can do to protect their home.” Christmas. Throughout the campaign, West Yorkshire Police The true cost of burglary is not just an insurance will be tweeting information and advice using the claim; it can lead to sleepless nights, feelings of hashtag #TrueCost. Helpful crime prevention tips anger and helplessness, family upset and the loss and more information about the campaign can also of treasured memories and personal items such as be found on the West Yorkshire Police website at: jewellery and family heirlooms. www.westyorkshire.police.uk/burglary

2 Reducing crime and re-offending

Action in Shipley against shoplifters Shops and businesses in Shipley have been working with local police officers to clampdown on shoplifters in the town centre.

Since the launch of a new scheme, 15 prolific shoplifters have been identified and issued with banning notices, excluding them from the majority of shops that are part of the business watch scheme.

Every month business watch members meet with housing officers, council wardens and street cleaners to identify issues affecting businesses in the town and devise actions to address them. In addition to dealing with shop theft, they are looking at anti-social behaviour, litter, parking and theft from persons.

Police officers and business watch members carry shop link radios which they use to communicate with each other and CCTV. The business watch has also funded crime reduction items such as purse bells, purse cables and mobile phone cables To find out more or to join the scheme go to which have been given to the business. www.westyorkshire.police.uk//shipley

In your area - Bradford

• Five suspects were arrested for theft from a motor vehicle in the city centre. There has been an overall reduction in these offences over the last month. • Officers visited sheltered housing complexes with Trading Standards to make elderly residents aware of the dangers of using loan sharks who target vulnerable people. Victims can contact Trading Standards in confidence on 0300 55 2222. • Six male youths have been identified and issued with a yellow anti-social behaviour letter following reports of anti-social behaviour at a youth and community centre on Arum Street, Canterbury. • A 21-year-old woman caught stealing goods worth £35.13 from Boots was given a £160 fine at Bradford Magistrates Court. • Officers attended the annual Great Horton Festival in Brackenhill Park and took part in a tug of war with members of the community. • Bradford College students are helping to reduce crime in the city on the 10-week Student Guardianship scheme, working alongside police and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) to deliver crime and fire prevention advice.

3 Reducing crime and re-offending

Canine crime fighters take a bite out of burglary

Officers and their canine companions have been patrolling student areas across north west as a preventative measure to help combat rates of burglary, which can traditionally rise at this time of year.

This was one of a number of proactive Viper-led operations, which took place over the weekend, running into Monday morning. During the operation 39 people were arrested for a variety of offences including burglary, drug dealing and car theft. Officers also recovered 12 vehicles which had previously been stolen.

Since Viper started last year incidents of domestic burglary across the county have been significantly reduced and there are currently 1,108 less burglary offences compared with this time last year.

Superintendent Pat Casserly, who led the operation, said: ‘‘The use of dog units or land sharks as they are known provides a very visible deterrent to any would-be burglar and I certainly wouldn't want to be up to no good if there West Yorkshire Police's Viper operations target the was a police dog within the vicinity.’’ county's most prolific burglars by using crime profiling, intelligence systems and innovative tactics, to ensure officers are in the right places at the right times.

4 Reducing anti-social behaviour Putting the brakes on car cruisers

Car cruisers in have been warned to have their bus fare ready as police pledge to seize cars involved in anti-social driving.

Officers are seizing the car of anyone caught committing driving offences following public concern about 'street racing' style driving near the Cathedral Retail Park in Wakefield on Sundays.

Events attract a large number of people and officers are also working with local businesses to find longer term solutions to the issue. They have other and drive dangerously, potentially putting already made arrests and seized cars at previous people off visiting an area which has businesses events. which open seven days a week.

Car enthusiasts who are driving lawfully and If anyone has information about anti-social gathering without causing issues have nothing to behaviour or driving at the Cathedral Retail Park worry about. However, residents and businesses contact the Wakefield Central NPT on 101 . should not have to tolerate people who race each Leeds Officers move in with community partners

Team, based at Killingbeck police station, are operating from The Compton Centre community hub in Harehills.

Locating officers directly alongside partner agencies, including officers from Officers from a Leeds Neighbourhood Policing Leeds City Council, will improve how they co- Team (NPT) have moved to a new base where ordinate their work and make sure they are better they will work side by side with partner agencies placed to meet the needs of local people. in the heart of the community. To find out more visit the NPT at A team of ten police community support officers www.westyorkshire.police.uk/leeds/inner-east from the Inner East Leeds Neighbourhood Policing

5 Supporting victims and witnesses New scheme to support Wakefield revellers Police and paramedics have joined forces to keep night-time revellers safe in Wakefield as part of a partnership between West Yorkshire Police and Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

A police officer accompanies a paramedic in a rapid response treatment vehicle which is deployed into the heart of Wakefield city centre. The scheme, which is being supported by Wakefield Neighbourhood Policing Team will continue every weekend until Christmas.

The aim of the project is to put police and the ambulance service in an ideal position to help people who need emergency medical treatment. Having a police officer and a paramedic together in the same vehicle means police can establish a safe scene for paramedics to work and also prevents police officers waiting for an ambulance to assess what are often minor injuries.

The presence of a police officer also provides paramedics with the necessary support to deal with any violent, uncooperative and drunken patients. This helps to ensure the safety of the paramedic, the wider public and patients themselves. Trial scheme supports ASB victims Officers from Bradford City Neighbourhood Victim Support is a key service aimed at providing Policing Team are taking part in a trial scheme with victims and witnesses with the help they need to Victim Support to support vulnerable victims of cope and recover from the impacts of crime. This Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB). initiative will develop this service further to meet the needs of people who are affected by crime. The three month trial scheme involves problem solving officers, working in the community to identify vulnerable and repeat victims of ASB and refer them to Victim Support. Help and assistance will be provided by Victim Support volunteers who are trained to offer emotional and practical assistance where needed.

6 Supporting victims and witnesses Police project aims to keep students safe and ‘appy’ The joint project, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, is free to download and is available for iOS and Android-based smart phones and tablets.

While completing games based around 'university life' and ensuring the central student character stays safe, the app also includes links to safety advice from West Yorkshire Police, Council and University.

As an extra incentive for students to use the app the first person to complete the game will win an Tech-savvy students from Huddersfield have Apple ipad. joined forces with West Yorkshire Police to design a new app which aims to keep fellow students safe Police Constable Laura Jackson, who helped as they start the new academic year. devise the project and works with Huddersfield University as the Student Safety Officer, said: ‘‘The Under the unique venture, students from result of the students’ hard and innovative work is Huddersfield University used a £10,000 grant from a fantastic final product that's as useful as it is The Police and Crime Commissioner, in entertaining.” conjunction with Kirklees Community Safety Partnership, to create the new app called 'appy student'.

In your area - Leeds

• Two quad bikes have been seized following targeted action in the Strathmore, Seaforth and Trafford areas of Harehills after complaints from residents. • Officers and PCSOs from Outer East have been involved in Older Persons Week and met with elderly people in the community to give crime prevention advice. • A woman has been arrested and charged with six burglaries in the Road area of Beeston after being identified by CCTV footage. • Officers visited Calverley residents to provide crime prevention advice for their homes. • More than 40 cyclists attended an event in Hall Park to remind people to properly secure their cycles which included security tagging and free servicing by Woodrup cycles.

7 Tackling local, regional and national risks Another blow to the trade of legal highs A Bradford retailer has been ordered to stop agency campaign selling so-called legal highs following an led by West innovative use of existing court powers. Yorkshire Police which is targeting Pervez Abbas, of Barker's Newsagents on the largely Sunbridge Road, was made subject to a High unregulated market Court Order on 22nd October, which is a legally in new psychoactive binding agreement with the courts and the police, substances, which that he must cease selling legal highs from his are manufactured shop or storing them on the premises. as chemical substitutes for On 6th October, Barkers was served with a illegal drugs such Closure Order by Police and partners, pending the as cannabis, court hearing, because of concerns about its links cocaine and to anti-social behaviour in the city centre and the ecstasy. wider district. The shop can now reopen and trade as normal, though the Order will last indefinitely Operation Nightshot has won and any breaches will result in a return to court. praise in Parliament and from the Home Affairs Neighbourhood police officers will work to support Select Committee, and West Yorkshire Police was the business and ensure that it operates in a way last year invited to be part of the Association of that is not detrimental to the local community. Chief Police Officers steering group looking at developing national best practice and policy on the The order is part of Operation Nightshot, a multi- issue as a result of its ground-breaking work. Anti-drug message for Muslim youths Kirklees Faith Network teamed up with Youth services officer PC Peter Whitehouse and Dewsbury-based Men’s Health Magazine model Omer Ashgar to deliver a series of drug awareness sessions following reports that some maddrassah pupils had been approached by strangers trying to sell them drugs. The talks also included awareness messages about the dangers of talking to strangers. Mr Asghar said: “A lot of children currently studying in the Maddrassahs will be starting high school and then going onto college in a few years’ time. This will be a time in their lives when they shall be exploring the outside world and could get targeted Children at mosques and maddrassahs across by strangers who deal in illegal drugs or other North Kirklees have been given a powerful anti- harmful substances. So the message from both drugs message in a series of talks focused on myself and PC Whitehouse of is just say no – and personal safety. stay away from any kind of harmful drugs.”

8 Tackling local, regional and national risks Repeat burglar captured on camera

Stephen Shaun Smith was Both offences were committed on the 26 June in captured on CCTV trying to the Walsden area of . Smith was filmed break into business premises trying the door handle of a local business premise just a short while before he prior to sneaking into an insecure residential burgled a house in property and stealing a substantial amount of cash Todmorden. and jewellery from a safe.

Smith, 54, of Rochdale, DI Gary Stephenson said, “This was not the first Lancashire appeared at time Smith had committed offences like this Bradford Crown Court and although on this occasion he had ventured into was jailed for three years for burglary and West Yorkshire. The sentencing reflects the attempted burglary. outcome that travelling burglars should expect.”

Car criminal made to pay back cash

Oliver Firth has been ordered to pay back almost On 15th January, he pleaded guilty to handling £30,000 of profits made from criminal activity stolen goods relating to 9 stolen cars and was under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) sentenced to 2 years’ imprisonment in February. Firth has six months to pay back £28,297.70 or will Firth, 27, of Ghyll Beck Drive, , was arrested have to serve a further 15 months in prison and at Tong Park Industrial Estate in January following will still have to pay the outstanding amount after the activation of a tracker on a stolen Range his release. Rover. Further stolen car parts were discovered in his unit and he is believed to have profited from £128,600 from his criminal activity.

Second POCA bill for Bradford money launderer A convicted money launderer who had more than In April 2011 he was ordered to repay £432,622 £400,000 in assets seized by the courts has been and, on Wednesday, Standing lost a further hit by another POCA bill. £10,830 to the courts.

Michael Standing, 52, from Shipley, was jailed for POCA reclaims money gained from criminal eight and a half years at Bradford Crown Court in activity and puts it back into community projects February 2010 after he was found guilty of charges that reduce crime. Find out more about the Why of money laundering and possession of cannabis Should They Campaign at with intent to supply. www.westyorkshire.police.uk/whyshouldthey

9 Tackling local, regional and national risks

In your area - Wakefield

• An open day at Wakefield district HQ, Normanton raised £700 which will be divided equally between two charities - Help Bring JJ Home and The Blue Lamp Foundation.

• Thirty-six vehicles were checked during an operation to make sure taxis and private hire vehicles are safe and roadworthy. One driver had his licence suspended and six more were given vehicle defect notices.

• Cannabis farms have been dismantled in Netherton and South Emsall and the plants have been removed and destroyed.

• Two PCSOs from Normanton & NPT attended the Whinn Dale Residential Home coffee morning at Normanton and gave residents crime prevention advice.

An efficient Criminal Justice System Student Special Constables West Yorkshire Police is recruiting Special You can also look at Constables and actively looking to increase the what some of our number of students we have amongst our ranks. Special Constables say about the role Joining is easy and can open a number of doors by checking with potential employers. As a volunteer you will out #BeSpecial receive comprehensive training across many on Twitter or aspects of police work. This will provide you with a www.westyorkshire. host of practical skills that will not only boost your police.uk/bespecial CV but will also increase your self-confidence.

As a part-time professional police officer you will have the same powers and responsibilities- and even the same uniform- as full-time officers. In return we ask you to volunteer for a minimum of 16 hours per month.

A number of our current Special Constables are either students or joined the police while studying at college or university. If you’re the type of person that can stay calm in a crisis, take the initiative and work well as part of a team, then we want to hear from you.

10 An efficient Criminal Justice System Force becomes digital trailblazer

Assistant Chief Constable, Andy Battle said it means more time spent in our communities: “This initiative will exploit technology to maximise the capability and effectiveness of policing at the front-line. It will potentially lead to 7,000 front line officers and staff using the devices.

“As a result of this project, there will be an increase in the amount of time they are able to spend on the streets, dealing with crime and public safety. The device includes an e-notebook which will enable us to record information and make intelligence submissions via secure mobile police apps.

“Officers will be able to enter electronic witness statements and complete missing person forms without having to put pen to paper back at base. Similarly, the device will allow users to view and update incidents whilst on the beat, increasing our visibility, responsiveness and presence on the streets. West Yorkshire Police is leading the way in one of the biggest technological advancements in modern “According to a national audit conducted in 2012 policing. which looked at mobile working in policing across the UK, an average of 18 minutes of additional Four thousand hand-held devices are being issued time on the streets was generated. From a West to front line officers and staff, replacing old pocket Yorkshire perspective, one minute of extra time on note books. The mobile devices contain online the street per officer, per day equates to a million ‘apps’ which allow the users to record a crime pounds worth of additional policing annually.” without having to return to a station.

In your area -

• Crime prevention advice was handed out in Boothtown and theft from motor vehicle advice/anti-theft number plate kits were given out to shoppers. • PCSO George Seban has encouraged Sowerby Town residents to enter Yorkshire in Bloom, achieving a Thriving Areas of Achievement commendation in their first year. • A new monthly meeting is held in Boothtown for partners/businesses and residents to share information on problems in the area for local officers to action. • Missing woman in Halifax was found safe and well following an appeal on social media @WYP_CldrValleys and @WYP_Halifax

11 Engaging with communities Public see ‘behind the scenes’ of police HQ The new Leeds state-of-the-art police headquarters threw open its doors to give members of the public a behind the scenes look at the new building and an insight into the work that officers do in local communities.

The open day event on Sunday, September 28, at Leeds District Headquarters, in Road, gave people the opportunity to take escorted tours of the building, including limited access to the cells, and see demonstrations of police tactics, vehicles and equipment.

Stalls and displays showcased the work of specialist departments, such as scenes of crime officers, as well as providing crime prevention advice and information for people interested in becoming Special Constables, Police Volunteers or starting a Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

Children met Percy the police car, had their faces at an interactive crime scene. Other attractions painted and fingerprints taken, made a included classic police cars, real-life reptiles and personalised wanted poster and solved a ‘crime’ food stalls.

In your area - Kirklees

• Crime prevention advice was offered to hundreds of ‘freshers’ at the University of Huddersfield and dozens were signed onto the National Mobile Property Register (NMPR) which helps track stolen property.

• Two men were arrested following a £40,000 commercial burglary of a large quantity of high value boots which were being advertised on Ebay. Following a search of a property in , a quantity of boots were recovered along with other stolen goods.

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