Burglary rates are falling in Leeds

12.00.00am GMT Wed 22nd Mar 2006

Figures released from Leeds City Council's Community Safety Team show that since 2002 thousands of would be burglars have been thwarted. The fall has coincided with an increased number of bobbies on the beat and hard hitting crime initiatives. Otley and Yeadon Councillor Ryk Downes has welcomed the figures whilst praising the Lib Dem led administration for taking a tough line on crime.

Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said 'These latest figures make impressive reading but nobody in the Administration is under any illusions that there isn't more work to be done. This is just the beginning of what we hope will be continued progress in the fight against crime.'

Councillor Downes added, 'In order to take the initiative away from the criminals we have increased the visible police presence on the streets to at least three PCSO's in every ward of the city as well as instigating a number of direct action initiatives such as alleygating and the installation of CCTV.'

Notes to the Editor:

Under the Lib Dem, Conservative and Green administration, the number of PCSOs has been increased to a minimum of 3 in every ward. Over the last four years, the level of domestic burglary in Leeds has reduced substantially:

Recorded domestic burglary in Leeds*

Year Actual burglaries recorded

2002/03 16,341

2003/04 13,776

2004/05 9,441

2005/06 Predicted year end figure around 7,657

*Figures provided by Leeds City Council's Community Safety Team

These significant reductions have been supported by the following activity:

§ The formation of a dedicated Crime Reduction Unit within Leeds Community Safety who work closely with the Police divisions, focusing resources into reducing burglary.

§ Work undertaken in localities via the Divisional Community Safety Partnerships.

§ Target hardening of properties of victims of burglary and properties identified as being in high risk areas, through the BRIL (Burglary Reduction in Leeds) scheme.

§ Use of enhanced target hardening especially for highly vulnerable clients this entails fitting window grilles, gates and security lighting etc.

§ Installing 'alleygates' in high crime areas to restrict access to back streets of through terrace properties.

§ Communication strategies especially for students and high crime areas in promoting burglary reduction techniques and advice to reduce the risks of being a victim.

§ Use of Smartwater property marking and covert spray systems also surveillance cameras installed in at risk properties.

The views in this Press Release are those of the Liberal Democrat Council Group, and not necessarily those of Leeds City Council, its Officers or of the Liberal Democrat Party.