10th January 2014 Issue 006
Reducing crime and re-offending Phone sweep by Viper team
Officers from Operation Viper arrested three people and seized 90 suspected stolen mobile phones during targeted raids in Leeds City Centre.
A team of officers used specialist technology to hunt for stolen goods, visiting retailers who were selling phones and identifying if the phones were being legitimately sold.
Mobile phones are attractive items to steal for criminals as they are small with high value. As a result of the operation, a man aged 25 was arrested on suspicion of burglary and a 28 year old man arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. A 33 year old man was also arrested on suspicion of theft and handling stolen goods.
How West Yorkshire Police is delivering the Police and Crime Plan Reducing crime and re-offending Leeds communities are safer thanks to multi-agency operation
Neighbourhood Policing Teams in North West Leeds The local police also focussed on targeted searches of have taken part in multi-agency events during taxis, scrap metal vans and scrap metal yards in the December, in Headingley, Hyde Park, Burley, Airedale, city which resulted in vehicle seizures and the issue of Wharfedale and Pudsey, to target local crime and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) community issues. prohibition orders, fixed penalty notices and scrap waste notices. These activities were supported by Taxi Local police worked alongside agencies including enforcement, Immigration, Trading Standards, Leeds Leeds City Council, Community Action and Support City Council Environmental Action, HMRC Road Fuel, Against Crime (CASAC), Her Majesty’s Revenue and DVLA, VOSA, Smartwater, Civilian Fines and Customs (HMRC), Trading Standards and the DVLA Licensing. and achieved a number of successful outcomes including: The success of this latest multi-agency operation, builds on important partnership working that • Warning and prosecuting speeding drivers recognises and responds to the needs of local • Engagement with residents at mobile police contact communities, by actively working together to detect points crime and deter criminal behaviour. • Increasing residents’ home security by target hardening premises • Shutting down a cannabis factory and prosecuting those responsible • Removal of bulky waste and fly tipping • Enforcement of Court Orders, resulting in arrest and fine payments
1 Reducing crime and re-offending The Police Station that comes to you
West Yorkshire Police is trialling a mobile custody suite The mobile custody suite, which is about the size of a which should allow officers to spend more time working single-decker bus, will increase police presence on the in their community. streets and will help to make communities safer and feeling safer. The vehicle, which is on loan from Cheshire Constabulary, has been on trial over the Christmas and The pilot is part of West Yorkshire Police’s ongoing New Year period. It has been brought in to provide work to provide a more efficient and effective service custody facilities away from regular police stations, in the face of budget cuts. which will help cut down on the amount of time taken by officers transporting and processing individuals who have been arrested.
The 26 foot long, 8.5 tonne Iveco van has been used day and night in town and city centres, at small and large scale events such as festivals and football matches, in rural areas and in high-risk shoplifting areas.
Inside the vehicle is a fully functioning custody unit with booking-in desk, six cells, a fully equipped interview room, and toilet and washing facilities. It is also kitted out with the latest 3G technology and onboard CCTV. The mobile custody suite
School children briefed on road safety
Denis worked with staff and year 1 pupils at Shirley Manor Primary, Appleton Academy and Worthinghead Primary as part of the Tong & Wyke Neighbourhood Police Team ‘Darker nights’ campaign.
Classroom sessions involved the Wyke safety slogan ‘STOP, LOOK, LISTEN, THINK, ARRIVE ALIVE’. The children were taught the words along with a series of hand signals to make them more memorable.
This slogan has been taught to the young children in Wyke for several years and Denis often has local teenagers approaching him reminiscing about their road safety lessons. The classroom input was followed by a practical roadside session including how to negotiate zebra, pelican and lollipop crossings. Police Community Support Officer Denis Bennett has been working with local Wyke councillors to deliver a Funds were donated by Wyke councillors from the road safety initiative to children in several local primary Ward Budget to provide the children with reflective schools in the Bradford area. jackets, flashing armbands and pump bags.
2 Reducing anti-social behaviour Cannabis Farm discovered by PCSO Chris raised the alarm after spotting a series of telltale signs which can identify cannabis farms. These include:
• Strong distinct smells • Closed curtains even during the day • Lights on constantly • Nobody seen coming or going from the address • A humming noise from fans • Large amounts of weed killer and plant food packaging, possibly in wheelie bins
The house was searched and a large number of cannabis plants were found well hidden underneath the floorboards along with a large amount of cannabis hidden in the attic. Two people were arrested as a result. If you suspect cannabis is being grown near you, please report it to us on 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 . All information can be reported anonymously and details will not be passed on.
Spending at least 80% of their time out in their communities means that Police Community Support Officers (PCSO) get to see, hear and in this case smell things that set alarm bells ringing. Recently whilst out on foot patrol in the Marshfields area of Bradford a PCSO Chris Hardy discovered a cannabis factory located in a residential property.
Super cocooning tackles rural burglary Local officers in Wharfedale, Shipley and Bingley are is the most prevalent crime tackling rural burglary by increasing their presence in type within the Wharfedale the community following each incident. ward with high value bikes and gardening equipment a Officers are using a tactic known as ‘super cocooning’ favourite target of thieves. which entails visiting 40 houses surrounding the victim’s address to gather further intelligence, identify To obtain more advice about witnesses and offer crime reduction advice and re- how to keep your belongings assurance. safe you can either contact your local Neighbourhood The new area Inspector Hugh Robinson, introduced Police Team or look at our the tactic as he was concerned about the rise in website: burglary over the previous year, especially as anti- social behaviour and all other crime had reduced so www.westyorkshire.police. dramatically in the area. Burglary of garages and sheds uk/crimeprevention
3 Reducing anti-social behaviour Force takes to twitter to evidence ‘Mad Friday’
Over a 12 hour period, on 20th December, the tweets highlighted alcohol related anti-social behaviour and drink driving incidents, as well as violent crime including, domestic violence, fighting outside pubs and even a hoax call.
Here are some facts and figures from the night:
• In a 24-hour period the Customer Contact Centre handled over 4,000 calls. 1300 of these were on 999 - more than 300 more than the normal call volume. • 99.7% of 999 calls were answered within 10 seconds. • 97% of non emergency calls were answered within 30 seconds. • No 999 calls were abandoned before being answered and only 3 non emergency calls (0.01%) ‘Mad Friday’ is the term used for the last Friday before were abandoned by the caller before we got to Christmas, as it is one of the busiest nights of the year them. for drinking and socialising; so West Yorkshire Police • At peak times staff were handling almost 7 calls used Twitter to share reports of 101 and 999 calls, with per hour the public, and give them an insight into the issues faced by the police in trying to keep communities safe. The tweets had an excellent response from the public, most of whom were supportive of the effort put in by All four police forces that cover the Yorkshire and officers to protect and assist people across the county. Humberside region took part and were tweeting events You can follow West Yorkshire Police on Twitter as they happened. @WestYorksPolice
4 Supporting victims and witnesses BBC documentary shows how partnership work increases safety Home security and safety were the focus of a multi- The aim of the day was to provide reassurance to the agency operation in Leeds to support elderly residents, carry out security assessments on their residents in December. The successful event was properties and promote 'Nominate a Neighbour' - a attended by a BBC film crew who wanted to film it for scheme that is aimed at combatting cold callers. a crime prevention documentary. Local police joined forces with CASAC (Community There has been a spate of burglaries in the area Action and Support Against Crime), and residential involving both forced entry through poorly maintained care company, Care Home U.K, to visit elderly people doors and windows or bogus callers. The team, which in the Holt Park, Adel, Horsforth and Cookridge areas included local detectives and crime scene visitors, of Leeds. who specialise in detecting and deterring all types of burglary, offered security advice to householders to help prevent them from becoming victims of crime.
The day was very successful, with positive feedback from the residents and the agencies involved and the BBC documentary will air in 2014.
To read more about West Yorkshire Police’s burglary campaign go to www.westyorkshire.police.uk/burglary
€5million European Commission project for West Yorkshire Exploring how the public and emergency services The project will look at how the public self-organise respond in a crisis is the aim of a €5million, multi- into voluntary groups, adapt quickly to changing agency research project, which will be coordinated by circumstances, emerge as leaders and experts and West Yorkshire Police. perform countless lifesaving actions; and how they are increasingly reliant upon the use of new The ATHENA consortium brings together the communications media to do so. Government, academia and the private sector, to use smart mobile technology and social media to change ATHENA started on 1st December 2013. West the way the public and emergency services respond Yorkshire Police is the first UK police force to during a crisis. coordinate the delivery of a European Commission security research project of this scope and scale. It Although members of the public often arrive first at will be delivered by a world class consortium of the scene of an incident and outnumber the international partners representing 18 countries and emergency services’ first responders, they are under- should prove extremely useful in improving the used even though they are creative and resourceful. emergency service delivery when crisis strike.
5 Tackling local, regional and national threats, risk and harm Wounded police officer recovers at home
A police officer, who was injured after she was shot PC Suzanne Hudson when attending a routine house call, was discharged from hospital in time for Christmas to continue her recovery at home.
PC Suzanne Hudson is making an excellent recovery after sustaining a severe gunshot injury to her hand. Suzanne and her colleague PC Richard Whiteley sustained a violent, unprovoked and brutal attack from a lone gunman whilst attending a routine call relating to anti-social behaviour.
James Leslie, 37, of Headingley was arrested the same day and has been remanded in custody. He will be tried for attempted murder in April. PC Richard Whiteley
Crackdown on Halifax drug dealers gets results
More than £700,000 of drugs has been recovered This work will increase the confidence communities during a three-week crackdown by Halifax Central have in their police and undermine organised criminal Neighbourhood Police Team on drug dealers in the activity. area. To report a crime or any suspicious activity that is of PC Mark Butterfield coordinated a team of Special and concern contact West Yorkshire Police on 101 or call regular Constables, to gather and collate drug related Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 . intelligence and utilise resources to deal with suspects and the forensic evidence from numerous drug raids.
The results have made a big difference in the community and successes include:
• At least £730,000 worth of drugs recovered • 9 cannabis factories dismantled • 9 people arrested with the majority still on bail pending forensic enquiries • £33,000 worth of growing equipment and plant food seized so far with food and pots recycled to schools and allotment societies • Proceeds of Crime investigations underway for everyone involved
6 Tackling local, regional and national threats, risk and harm Departments come together to remand a local criminal Upper Valley Neighbourhood Police Team in money laundering, abstracting electricity, unlawful Calderdale executed a series of search warrants at an possession of an air weapon, burglary and handling address in Todmorden, resulting in the seizure of 130 stolen goods. items connected with crime. If you believe someone is involved in criminal activity, James Farnaby has been charged with 9 offences and help us to stop them by letting us know. Phone 101 or remanded in custody. The offences charged included Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 . theft of a motor vehicle, theft from a motor vehicle,
Police operation catches greedy conman
Following a carefully planned police surveillance and If you know someone who could benefit from one of our intelligence operation a callous confidence trickster schemes to prevent Cold calling contact your local was jailed for eight years for deliberately targeting police by phoning 101 or see details on our website: elderly, disabled and vulnerable householders to strip www.westyorkshire.police.uk/crimeprevention them of their cash and valuables.
Stewart Marshall, 44, of Wyke, Bradford, knocked on doors, cold calling in order to select suitable victims in the Bradford area.
Marshall, who literally stole the rings from a 90-year- old widow’s fingers, used bogus identification cards and badges to persuade his victims to let him into their homes, pretending to canvas for home improvement work. After tricking his way in, he went on to steal thousands of pounds. Despicably he tried to target anyone who he thought had dementia, mobility problems or blindness and the average age of his victims was 90.
A local detective DC Sean Donoghue was praised by relatives after Marshal was caught, for his tenacity and determination to bring Marshall to justice. Marshall, Stewart Marshall was branded “mean, selfish and greedy” by the judge and will be in prison for many years to come.
7 Delivering an efficient criminal justice system In-car technology boosts policing on the roads
Officers have the latest intelligence on the move thanks best technology possible for its needs. Security to a high-tech computer system that enables access to measures ensure that they cannot be used by anyone vital police systems from inside their cars. other than West Yorkshire Police.
During December, hundreds of Lenovo “Thinkpad This is a major move forward in the use of technology, Twist” touch screen laptops were fitted in cars across and has been in direct response to the feedback from the county. Now officers can access vital information to West Yorkshire officers as part of the Force’s help them progress investigations and statements and Programme of Change, the strategy to improve the reports can be completed at the scene saving valuable service provided to the public to make them safer and time for the police and public alike. feeling safer.
600 units were fully operational by the end of December 2013. The initiative has come about after a successful trial took place which showed that on average the new equipment saved 18 minutes in travelling time for each incident, as officers no longer had to return to the office to complete essential paperwork.
By the middle of 2014 it’s planned that 1,000 officers on foot patrol will get mobile Android-based devices that will give them the same access, but from a hand- held unit. Customised “apps” are being developed for both sets of equipment, to provide the organisation with
Change of Deputy Chief Constable (DCC) Deputy Chief Constable on the beat to mark retirement
Retiring Deputy Chief Constable, Jawaid Akhtar, ended his police career by walking the beat where he first started in Huddersfield more than three decades ago.
DCC Akhtar was joined on patrol by his son PC Mohsin Akhtar who is currently serving in the Huddersfield District.
Mr Akhtar started with West Yorkshire Police in Huddersfield in 1982. Over the course of his career he has held numerous posts in the organisation.
As part of that legacy and as a parting gesture, Mr Akhtar has now passed on his collar number of 2853 to his son Mohsin.
8 New Deputy ready for the challenge
West Yorkshire Police welcomes Dee Collins as the new Deputy Chief Constable.
DCC Collins was previously Derbyshire Constabulary’s Assistant Chief Constable (Operational Support).
DCC Collins joined Cleveland Police in 1987 and has spent most of her service in operational roles. She served in Cumbria Constabulary before joining Derbyshire Constabulary in April 2007.
Assistant Chief Constable Collins said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to be joining West Yorkshire Police at such an exciting time of change. I’m really looking forward to meeting local communities and working with the Chief Constable and Senior Leadership Team to deliver on the Police and Crime Plan, as set by Mark Burns- Williamson, the Police and Crime Commissioner.”
Scrap dealer ordered to pay back £200,000
Police in Wakefield have seized a six figure sum from Cash confiscated from criminals under the Proceeds of a former scrap dealer after he was ordered to pay back Crime Act has been spent on a number of projects in £200,000 from his criminal gains. Wakefield over the last few years including supporting football projects for young people and other community Russell Barratt (52) of Knottingley, must pay back the schemes. sum within a set time scale following a Proceeds of Crime Hearing at Leeds Crown Court Together with colleagues across West Yorkshire, Wakefield officers are committed to using the Proceeds Barratt was found to have benefited from £617,549.26 of Crime Act to recover cash and property from those through crime committed at his former scrap yard in who have benefited from crime wherever possible. Knottingley and will now pay back a £200,000 sum which the court agreed he had available for confiscation.
The 52-year-old was originally convicted on the 24th May 2012 for offences of Handling Stolen Goods, Possession of Criminal Property and Environmental offences, relating to his running of a breakers yard.
Following his conviction detailed work into his finances was stepped into high gear by the Wakefield District POCA Team together with the North East Regional Asset Recovery Team and assisted by the Russell Barratt Environment Agency.
9 Experience of a Community Volunteer - Bethany Gooding There are almost 450 Community Volunteers who Raising public awareness was light-hearted and support West Yorkshire Police. Some volunteer their interesting, but approximately half of the public time on a regular basis and others are contacted to assumed we were attempting to sell them things and help out at special events and large operations. were disinterested. Those that did stop were happy to Community Volunteer, Bethany Gooding shares her have a chat, listen to advice and take spikeys for experiences of working with operational police in Leeds themselves and friends. to help others understand what the role might entail. While patrolling the city DS Galvin gave interesting and Operation Northdale: Headingley, 2nd December thorough explanations as to why he stopped certain Operation Northdale was my first operation, introducing suspicious individuals. For example, one man was me to voluntary work with West Yorkshire Police by questioned over the bags he was carrying because of making door-to-door knocks and handing out burglary previous convictions for shoplifting. We followed three based crime prevention advice. I personally visited people after they changed pace upon spotting the about thirty houses in the Headingley area, firstly police presence in Victoria Quarter. Police presence supported by Steve Whiting from Leeds University was effective as a deterrent, with a few people leaving Student Union who gave me guidance during the first briskly when we entered shops. The officers, including hour or so. We also witnessed the arrest of a previous DS Galvin, were engaging and informative, happy to offender for going equipped after officers and answer any questions the volunteers had. I genuinely volunteers had spotted him behaving suspiciously. enjoyed the evening.
Operation Viper: Retail & Crime, and Operation West Yorkshire Police is always keen to hear from Northdale, 5th December community-spirited people who would like to Several volunteers assisted Chief Inspector Booth, DS volunteer. To find out more about the opportunities Galvin and other officers in handing out advice to the available visit our website: public regarding responsible drinking, raising awareness of alcohol related sexual offences, and www.westyorkshire.police.uk/recruitment/volunte handing out “spikeys” – these are stoppers which can ers-policing be placed on drinks bottles to prevent them being tampered with. The latter part of the evening involved acting as a deterrent by patrolling the Trinity Centre and hotspots in Leeds City Centre.
West Yorkshire Police Specials at work
10 Special Constable Recognised in the New Year’s Honours List A volunteer officer for West Yorkshire Police has been recognised for his work with communities in Leeds by receiving an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list.
Special Constable Alistair McFadyen, a Senior Section Officer at Gipton and Harehills Neighbourhood Policing Team, has received the honour for services to policing in the community.
He volunteers 70 hours a month to West Yorkshire Police, dividing his time between his unpaid policing duties and his job as a senior lecturer in Systematic Theology at Leeds University.
SC McFadyen has instigated a number of projects to build links between the police, the university and inter- faith communities in Leeds including encouraging university students to volunteer with local police; mapping religious communities in Leeds; and engaging with the Muslim and Black church communities to open communication between them and the local police.
He joined West Yorkshire Police in 2002, fulfilling the lifelong dream of becoming a police officer, which was previously denied due to problems with his eyesight which were later corrected. He spent five years as a response officer in Stainbeck before moving to Gipton and Harehills NPT.
Special Constables in West Yorkshire Police are of a Special Constable Alistair McFadyen very high calibre, but Alistair’s achievement is exceptional and he and his family should be very proud of his continued success.
11 Special Constable Recruitment to be Stepped up
A campaign to recruit up to 1,500 new Special With the first intake of new Specials due to start their Constables is being finalised by the Operation Viper training in February a video diary of their progress will Team. also be added to the new web page to encourage new applicants to join West Yorkshire Police and contribute A new section of the West Yorkshire Police website to making sure local people are safer and feel safer. including blogs and videos from a number of our Specials will form the centrepiece of the campaign The website is in the process of being finalised but, in which looks to swell the ranks of the volunteer arm of the meantime visit our existing website page on West Yorkshire Police. specials recruitment:
The key message of the new recruitment drive is that www.westyorkshire.police.uk/recruitment/special- “part time still means front line” with senior officers keen constables to publicise the varied and exciting opportunities for Specials on a number of front line police teams.
Force recruits new mascots
PC Lock Up and PCSO Stay Safe are the latest recruits to join the West Yorkshire Police team of community mascots.
The uniformed duo are ready to hit the streets and meet schoolchildren and members of the public at community events where they will help to deliver key messages about crime prevention and safety.
They join the three existing mascots, Sherlock the Dog, Paul the Padlock and Detective Duck and are available to hire for events and exhibitions by police staff.
The mascots can be hired out for free, either on their own, as a group or with the force's two exhibition vehicles.
To find out more about how to hire the mascots email [email protected] PC Lock Up & PCSO Stay Safe
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