Drugs, robbery, sexual offences, violence, weapons offences show increases. Burglaries, vehicle offences & vandalism down

There were a total of 34,617 crimes in North Yorkshire 0.5% increase, 168 more crimes – in comparison to the same period in 2013-2014

Broken down into the main crime categories, the ONS figures for North Yorkshire show:

• Domestic Burglary reduced by 13% (1,371 crimes in total, down 196 from ,1567), with overall Burglary down by 6% (3,960 crimes in total, down 258 from 4,218)
• Criminal Damage and Arson down by 9% (5,097 crimes in total from  5,615)
• 14% reduction in Vehicle Offences (2,207 crimes in total, down 363 from 2,570)
• Robbery increased by 25% (146 crimes in total, up 29 from 117)
• 8% decrease in Theft Offences (16,831 crimes in total)
• Sexual Offences up by 50% (1,054 crimes in total, up 352 from 702). As previously explained, this rise is generally regarded as a positive reflection of the confidence victims have in North Yorkshire Police, particularly those making historical complaints. This is also influenced by Operation Yewtree and Operation Hibiscus (Jimmy Savile/Peter Jaconelli investigations), and the opening of a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in York two years ago.
• Violence Against the Person went up by 20% (7,366 crimes in total, up by 1,128 from 6,138). This rise is almost entirely attributable to the Violence without Injury category. This includes Common Assault and Harassment offences. A problem profile conducted on trends in this crime category in the Autumn of last year showed improved recording following a recent HMIC inspection, an increase in historical reports, increased pro-activity around enforcement of orders and improved victim confidence.
• Drug Offences increased by 15% (2,085 crimes in total, up 272 from 1,813)
• Possession of Weapons Offences up by 26% (230 crimes in total, up by 47 from 183)
• Public Order Offences decreased by 1% (1,238 crimes in total, down by 18 from 1,256)
• Miscellaneous Crimes Against Society, which includes the possession and publication of extreme sexual images, was up by 35% (570 crimes in total, up by 148 from 422).

Deputy Chief Constable Tim Madgwick said: “The latest crime figures reflect the sheer determination of North Yorkshire Police and our partners to make North Yorkshire the safest place in England.

“We will continue to focus our efforts on all elements of criminality and improve the service we provide to those who unfortunately become victims of crime. Certain crimes continue to become more challenging and complex to investigate, however we are investing in new technology and I am confident the skills and commitment of the North Yorkshire Police team will rise to any future challenges.”

North Yorkshire remains the safest place to live, work and visit in England, the Office of National Statistics confirm.

Julia Mulligan has published the refreshed Police and Crime Plan for North Yorkshire. This has followed an extensive consultation with the public, who have identified four priorities for North Yorkshire.

1.      Protect vulnerable people

2.      Cut crime and anti-social behaviour

3.      Focus on prevention and early intervention

4.      Improve victim care

Download a copy of the new Police and Crime Plan from  http://www.northyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk/news/new-police-and-crime-plan-for-north-yorkshire/
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York police issue urgent appeal to find missing man

York police have issued an urgent appeal to help trace a York man who has gone missing from his home in the Heworth area.

41-year-old Mandeep Ahluwalia was last seen by his mother in the city on the afternoon of Friday 16 May 2014 and has not been seen or heard from since.

He also left leaving his car, bank cards and mobile phone behind.

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#AskTheChief webchat: your chance to quiz the Chief Constable

North Yorkshire Police’s Chief Constable Dave Jones is hosting a live webchat to give residents the opportunity to ask any questions about crime and anti-social behaviour in their communities.

Mr Jones will be online between 5pm and 6pm on Monday 19 May 2014.

To join the latest webchat visit www.northyorkshire.police.uk/webchat.

You can also set yourself an email reminder in advance so you don’t miss it.

Residents who are unable to take part in the live webchat are encouraged to send their questions to the Chief Constable in advance via the North Yorkshire Police Twitter account @NYorksPolice, using the hashtag #AskTheChief, or the Facebook page www.facebook.com/NorthYorkshirePolice.

He would like to discuss people’s experiences with North Yorkshire Police and to hear suggestions about how the policing service in the county can be further improved.

Mr Jones said: “As Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police, I believe it is important for me to engage with our communities and find out their concerns.

“This will my fourth webchat of 2014. I have found that they are a valuable way of receiving feedback from residents, helping me to understand the issues which are important to them so that we can improve the service we offer.

“I look forward to answering as many of your questions as possible between 5pm and 6pm on Monday, so please try and join me online.”

Cyclist injured in York hit-and-run collision

Police are appealing for witnesses after a cyclist was injured in a road traffic collision in York.

The cyclist, a 33-year-old woman, sustained a head injury when her bike collided with a car at the traffic lights on the junction of Rougier Street and Station Road at around 6.15pm on Sunday 23 February 2014.

The driver of the car – a small, dark-coloured hatchback – did not stop at the scene of the collision and continued along Rougier Street.

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Looking for voluntary work? – North Yorkshire Police needs you!

North Yorkshire Police is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join the organisation to help support the delivery of policing services to its communities.

The force already has 120 volunteers working in a number of roles and is looking to recruit another 100 before July 2014.

Volunteers work alongside police officers and police staff, supporting their work to keep the communities a safe place to live and work.

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Vital witnesses to York pasty shop burglary urged to come forward

Detectives investigating a burglary at a shop in York city centre are appealing for some potentially vital witnesses to come forward.

Sometime between 5.50am and 6am on Tuesday 18 February 2014, thieves broke into the Cornish Pasty Bakery on Colliergate and stole a safe containing a quantity of cash.

Following extensive enquiries officers have established that the suspects were loitering outside the shop prior to the incident.

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