Rothwell Crime Initiative Gets Go Ahead

8.04.00pm GMT Thu 17th Feb 2005

Earlier this week (14th February 2005) Leeds City Council's South (Outer) Area Committee gave the go ahead to a new initiative to tackle incidents of crime and anti ? social behaviour in Rothwell. The project, part funded by £10,000 worth of revenue from the Wellbeing Budget, is expected to run from mid April until mid September 2005. Known hotspots for incidents of anti ?

social behaviour such as Rothwell town centre, parts of Carlton, Oulton, Woodlesford and John O'Gaunts will be targeted, with a specific emphasis on incidents involving young people.

Councillor Mitchell Galdas (Lib Dem, Rothwell) said, "This is great news for the local community. A strong uniformed police presence will help make the area feel safer for residents. Incidents of anti ? social behaviour, particularly those perpetrated by young people are a major cause for concern. I wish the scheme every success."

· The Initiative will be carried out in partnership with LCC South

Leeds anti ?social behaviour team and LCC Learning and Leisure Parkswatch Scheme.

· The Initiative will consist of additional proactive patrols of police

to deter and deal with anti ? social behaviour, both on ? street by gangs of youths, and also by persons causing annoyance and danger through the indiscriminate use of go ? peds and off road motorcycles in public open spaces and parks such as Rothwell Country Park.

· There will also be intelligence led operations directed at local drug

dealers, handlers of stolen goods, and burglars.