Anti social behaviour tackled by new policing plan for half term

A youth protection scheme is to be re-run over half term following its success in the summer.

Operation liberate Sept 2015Operation Liberate, led by City of York Council and North Yorkshire Police, and other partners, aims to keep young people feeling and being safe. Police, local authority officers and healthcare professionals offer young people support and help, and where necessary take action to prevent anti-social behaviour or offending.

Between 24 July and 5 September on Friday and Saturday nights during the summer holiday, Operation Liberate targeted areas where anti-social behaviour has been an issue in the past. Police response teams identified 18 young people at risk and vulnerable aged between 10 and 18, of whom 75 per cent were female. Of them, 25 per cent were in danger of getting involved in anti-social behaviour and 75 per cent were considered vulnerable.
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Day of action leads to Police arrests in west York

The York West Safer Neighbourhood Team conducted a day of action yesterday, Thursday 15 October 2015.
white-collar-crime-1The enforcement activity took place in the Acomb area of York and the team were supported by York Neighbourhood support team, Road Policing team, Firearms support unit, York Anti-social Behaviour Hub officers and York City Council Neighbourhood Enforcement officers.

A warrant was carried out under the misuse of drugs act at a property on Dringfield Close at around 8am. A 25 year old woman and a 27 year old man were arrested at the property and both have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

A search of a vehicle stopped on Barkston Grove led to the arrest of a 25 year old man from York on suspicion of supplying a class B drug. He has been released on bail.

Subsequent searches at a property in Westfield Place, Acomb, York, led to the arrest of a 23 and 2 4 year old man, both form York, for drugs offences. Both have been released on bail.

A 36 year old man from York was arrested on suspicion of the theft of a cycle on Tadcaster Road.  The cycle has since been returned to its owner and the man has been bailed.

As well as the enforcement activity, officers actively supported the Hate Crime awareness week by attending Acomb library with information and advice about Hate Crime.

In addition, officers attended York College for a dot peen property making event where various items of property were marked and recorded including 45 Cycles.

PC Andy Chapman said:

“North Yorkshire Police is committed to eradicating drug dealing in the city of York.

“The actions of those who choose to sell drugs will not be tolerated and my message to them is – you will be caught.

“The local policing team will continue to undertake days of action as part of our aim to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour across the city.”

If anyone has any information about people dealing drugs or anyone wishing to report suspicious activity please contact the Police on 101.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

York sex assault investigation – appeal to trace man in CCTV images

Detectives have issued CCTV images of a man they need to speak to in connection with a sexual assault on a woman at an address in York City Centre.

York sex assault investigation – appeal to trace man in CCTV images

The incident, which is being treated as isolated with no wider concerns for the local community, occurred at around 5am on Friday 2 October 2015.

The victim is being supported by specially trained officers while police enquiries are ongoing to trace the man. Officers are urging him to come forward as he could have important information to assist the investigation. They are also appealing for anyone who recognises the man from the CCTV images to get in touch without delay.

He is described as a white, aged around 20 or 21, of skinny build and has chin-length black hair. The man has a few tattoos, one of which is a distinctive “umbrella with rain drops” on his right bicep area. He also has a tattoo of some writing across his stomach area.

If you can help, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for York Serious Crime Team. Or email SCTYork@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

York sex assault investigation – appeal to trace man in CCTV images 2

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Please quote incident number 12150176353 when providing information about this investigation.

Crime levels up in York

The latest 12 month crime figures for York – for the year ending June 2015 – show increased levels of criminal activity in the City compared to three months ago.

Crime figs to June 2015

The figures however do show a small reduction in overall crime levels compared to the 12 months ending in June 2014.

The figures are produced by the Office of National Statistics and exclude “anti social behaviour” (ASB).

ASB accounts for over 50% of reports to the Police in some parts of York.

Offences showing a sustained raise include those connected with drugs, public order, robbery, sexual offences and violence.

Bicycle thefts are down as is criminal damage, burglary, shoplifting and vehicle offences.

York and North Yorkshire continues to have a relatively low crime rate

The North Yorkshire Police response to the latest crime figures can be read by clicking here

Crime updates

  • Appeal for witnesses after ATM theft in Heslington this morning Police were called at about 2.30am this morning to reports of a digger being used to force entry into the front of the Natwest Bank on Main Street, Heslington. For more information click here
  • Appeal for Information following serious assault at Blue Fly, York North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses and information about an assault that occurred at Blue Fly Bar, New Street, York, on Saturday 8 August 2015. For more information click here
  • Appeal following burglary on Holgate Road, York North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses and information about a burglary that occurred in York. It happened at around 4am on Wednesday 9 September 2015. For more information click here

York Police launch “hate” crime initiative

“Report it so we can sort it” – North Yorkshire Police support National Hate Crime Awareness Week.

National Hate Crime Awareness Week takes place from 10 to 17 October with the aim of the week being to raise awareness about hate crime, what it is and if you are a victim – how to report it.

Policing in North Yorkshire exhibition photo

Throughout the week North Yorkshire Police are supporting a number of local groups and events across the region, to spread the message that hate crime will not be tolerated and to encourage victims to come forward and report it.

Events are taking place in Scarborough, Northallerton, York and Selby with the support of local Safer Neighbourhood Teams. Members of the public are invited to come along to receive information and support.

Hate crime is described as any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice based on a person’s disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity or perceived disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

It can take the form of;

  • Physical attacks – such as physical assault, damage to property, offensive graffiti, neighbourhood disputes and arson.
  • Threat of attack – including offensive letters, abusive or obscene telephone call, intimidation or malicious complaints.
  • Verbal abuse or insults – including offensive letters and posters, abusive gestures, and bullying at school or in the workplace.

Speaking about National Hate Crime Awareness week DCC Tim Madgwick said;

“North Yorkshire Police take hate crime extremely seriously and encourage anyone who has been a victim to come forward and report it. Everyone has a right to live without fear – being who you are is not a crime – but being threatened or harassed because of it is. We would ask victims if they are under immediate threat or attack to call 999. Alternatively you can report it to North Yorkshire Police on 101. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the Supporting Victims service or Stop Hate UK on 0800 138 1625.”

Figures for hate crime are relatively low in North Yorkshire, but it’s believed this may be due to people either not being aware that they have been subject to a crime or reluctance to report it.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Julia Mulligan said;

“We know that hate crime is under-reported but the reasons for this are not clear. In my Police and Crime Plan, I have set out a clear objective for improvements to be made in response to feedback from the public. I know the police take this very seriously and that once the North Yorkshire specific report I have commissioned is finalised, further improvements to the service will be made. In the meantime, it is important for people to report incidents to the police, or if they feel they’d rather talk to someone independent, they can call Supporting Victims on 01904 669276. The team are trained to ensure victims get the help they need.”

Advice and support will be available at all the events throughout the week and members of the public are invited to drop in and learn more about hate crime, how to recognise it and how they can take steps to stop it.
LOCAL EVENTS

A full list of events is available on the Stop Hate UK website –http://www.stophateuk.org/hate-crime-awareness-week/

 

Local PCSOs will be at York Designer Outlet on Sunday 11 October between 8am- 3.30pm with a hate crime awareness stand to give advice and information. On Monday 12 October the team will be at the University of York Student Union from 6pm-7.30pm. Throughout the week they will be running hate crime awareness sessions at local schools and on Wednesday 14 October a drop in session at Tang Hall Lane Community Centre from 12-2pm

Call for action on bridge graffiti

Local Lib Dem councillor Stephen Fenton has asked Network Rail to clean up the graffiti that has appeared on the St Helens Road railway bridge.

Graffiti has been daubed on both sides of the road

Graffiti has been daubed on both sides of the road

The response received from Network Rail is somewhat disappointing:

“This graffiti however is neither racist nor shows offence so will be given a very low priority, it will be passed onto our maintenance team to look at with a view to it being programmed in as ongoing works.”

It is hoped that Network Rail will take as prompt action at this site as they did when we asked for the Hob Moor underpass graffiti to be cleaned up.

Stephen commented  “I appreciate that Network Rail have a thankless task, but the graffiti on the bridge is very prominent and if it left as it is it could act as an encouragement for other vandals to attack this and other sites.”

Dringhouses Crime levels up during last 6 months

Dringhouses Crime graph to Aug 2015

There were 95 crimes reported in the Dringhouses and Woodthorpe Ward during August. The majority (43) concerned anti social behaviour. There were 8 reports of violence/sexual offences and 10 of criminal damage

The highest concentration of crime reports were near Tesco/York College although there were local hotspots in Carrfield (near the sports field) and in the Chaloners Road area.

Overall crime reports have increased significantly in recent months although the area continues to have a relatively low crime rate.  Crime levels often drop during winter.

In total 593 crimes were reported in west York during August

Public urged to be vigilant against Cybercrime

North Yorkshire Police (NYP) has launched a campaign in the fight against Cybercrime.

cybercrimeThe campaign, which will run throughout October, aims to raise awareness of the threat of this complex type of crime and encourage people to be more vigilant.

Information about the most common online threats and scams in North Yorkshire will be published via social media channels, along with prevention advice.

Modern technology such as mobile devices and international computer gaming is now a part of everyday modern society.
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York Police offer help following increase in burglaries

An operation to protect York residents against a new garage burglary ‘exploit’ saw dozens of properties visited and more than 100 items security marked in a single night.

Student burglaries
On Tuesday 15 September, one police officer and eight PCSOs from York North Safer Neighbourhood Team, boosted by the support of 12 Special Constables, took to the streets of Rawcliffe.

The clampdown follows a significant rise in burglaries in the area, often involving offenders exploiting a weakness in certain garage doors in order to steal property, particularly pedal cycles.

Residents in the Rawcliffe area were shown how criminals commit such burglaries, and given advice on how to simply and effectively secure their garages in response.

Officers also brought with them three ‘dot peen’ marking kits which were made available to residents to get their property security marked and registered. In total, 66 bikes were marked, as well as 17 tablets, 12 laptops and 11 other items including phones and guitars.

Officers visited every property in Beaverdyke, Angram Close, Leighton Croft, Eldwick Close, Swinsty Court, Chelkar Way, Baden Court, Fewston Drive, Lindley Road, Barnby Close, Ebsay Drive, Lanshaw Croft, Redmires Close, Whitley Close, Haythorth Close, Handley Close, Wellesley Close and Bransholme Drive.

When there was no answer, a letter was posted through the door offering crime prevention advice and inviting people to a dot peen property marking drop-in session on 26 September 2015 at Clifton Moor Church and Community Centre from 6pm to 8pm. More information about dot peen is available at www.northyorkshire.police.uk/whatisdotpeen

PC Steve Gillespie, of York North Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “I’d like to stress the importance of adding additional security measures to your garages to ensure that you too do not become a burglary victim.

“I strongly recommend the installation of security measures such as garage defenders or ground anchors. I am sure the cost of having to replace stolen items will far outweigh the cost of installing this equipment.

“Furthermore, allowing the police to mark your items – such as pedal cycles, gardening tools, golfing equipment, mobile phones and almost anything else you can think of – ensures that our chances of reuniting you with your property, should it be lost or stolen, are greatly increased. It also assists us in ensuring that the North Yorkshire Police area remains the safest place in England.”

The crime prevention campaign will continue, and officers have stepped up patrols in the area, including patrols in marked and unmarked vehicles, and on marked and unmarked bikes throughout the night.

Anyone who sees any suspicious activity is urged to report it to the police immediately. Such reports assist officers in preventing crime and catching offenders with stolen property in their possession.

PC Gillespie praised the contribution of North Yorkshire Police Special Constables, volunteers with the same powers as full-time police officers: “Without the support of our colleagues from the Special Constabulary giving up their midweek evening to assist these patrols, it would not have been possible to visit as many people, on as many streets, or to have marked as much property as we did.”

Two boys, aged 16 and 14, were arrested on 13 September on suspicion of burgling a garage in the Rawcliffe area. Both have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

York cyclists warned to be vigilant….. domestic dispute witnesses sought

York City Centre Safer Neighbourhood Team is proactively targeting those who are committing cycle crime in the city centre.

Bike marking

This week alone the team have made two significant arrests, following further investigation work, which has led to two people being charged with a number of cycle thefts.

Sgt Tim Craven of the York City Centre Safer Neighbourhood Team said:

“The team are also actively patrolling the cycle racks in the city centre, and we are finding that some members of the public are not securing their cycles with a sufficient standard of lock.

“In some cases, cycles are being secured with cheap wire locks that can be very quickly and easily overcome making them an ideal target for a would-be thief. I want to reassure the public that cycle crime does remain low, but we are asking that cyclists correctly secure their bikes with a good standard of lock, to prevent their potential loss”

Alongside investing in a good quality bike lock to prevent theft; there are a number of things cyclists can do to ensure that, if stolen and recovered their bike can be returned to them.

By registering your bicycle model, make and frame number this assists the police in returning recovered bikes to their rightful owners.  Your local police station can provide further advice.

Taking a clear, colour photograph of your bike and making a written record of its description, including any unique features, is also advised so that you can report it accurately if stolen.

Security marking the bicycle is also a good idea. York Police have recently invested in the top-of-the-range “dot peen” property marking machines and are offering the marking service free to York residents.

Dot peen marking involves using a tungsten carbide-tipped pin to indent an object with dots to create a visible, permanent unique number. The unique number will be entered onto the national Immobilise property register database, vastly increasing the chances that it will be reunited with its owner if it is lost or stolen.

For more cycle safety tips visit http://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/cyclesafety or to find out when the next property marking event is taking place, follow your local York police team on Twitter at @snayorkcityeast @snayorknorth or @snayorkwest

Appeal following domestic dispute

North Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses and information about a an incident that occurred near to the junction of Piccadilly and Tower Street, close to the entrance of the car park to St Georges field in York.

blue lights

It happened during what is described as ‘the morning rush hour’ on Wednesday 13 August 2015 and involved a 28-year-old woman and a man from York.

As a result of an incident the woman received substantial facial injuries after falling to the floor.

We are conducting enquiries and are requesting the public’s assistance to help determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

In particular we are appealing for information from anyone who tried to offer assistance to the couple.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should contact us on 101, select option 2, and ask for Dc 616 Wright. You can also email Theresa.Wright@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12150141784.

 

Authorities call time on drunks in York

York drunkA new partnership is launching its first campaign to clamp down on the anti-social behaviour of a minority which can blight the majority’s enjoyment of the beautiful City of York.

City of York Council, North Yorkshire Police and British Transport Police have welcomed the involvement of train operating companies, York Racecourse and city centre licensed premises, as well as Make It York and the proposed York Bid.

The campaign complements other initiatives used to quell anti-social behaviour on race and match days and the positive effect of the Alcohol Restriction Zone (ARZ) which extends within the city walls, along Micklegate and the area around the station.

There will be a heightened presence of officers from British Transport and North Yorkshire Police – including special constables – and Neighbourhood Enforcement Officers from the multi-agency Community Safety Hub. Every Saturday throughout September, starting on 5 September, these officers will remind people travelling by train to the city, arriving at York station and those out and about in the city centre, to respect the city they are visiting and enjoy themselves responsibly. They will be doing this alongside any necessary enforcement action on trains, at the station and throughout the ARZ.
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