Drug possession, public order and theft offences up in York

Overall crime numbers stable in year to the end of September 2014.

The latest crime figures produced by ONS show an increase in some types of crime in York. (See table below)

Crime numbers in York

The biggest concerns will probably be over public order and “theft from a person” offences both of which have risen for the fifth consecutive quarter.

Drug related crime is also on the increase as are (reported) sexual offences and shoplifting.

The violence figures remain high.

The Police are right to point out that North Yorkshire is a safe place to live and enjoys the second lowest crime rate in the country.

But there is work to do in York and the figures are likely to reopen the debate about whether the County’s Deputy Chief Constable should be relocated and headquartered in the City.

The York Council may also need to review its policies.

It has a role to play in reducing crime in general and public order problems in particular.

A statement from North Yorkshire Police is reproduced below
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Countdown to Scarborough Railway Bridge replacement

Marygate car park to be closed during February

Rail passengers, York residents and visitors to the city are being reminded to plan ahead this half term as the old bridge deck of Scarborough Rail Bridge will be lifted out and a new one installed.

The work to refurbish the bridge means that no trains can run over it between 14 and 23 February, with coaches replacing First Trans-Pennine Express trains between York and Seamer.

The worksite in York will also affect local residents and visitors. Marygate car park will be closed from 2 to 27 February to safely accommodate the crane and other construction equipment. The footbridge alongside Scarborough railway bridge which also carries National Cycle Network route 65 across the river will be closed from 9 February to 2 March and the shared use paths on either side of the river under Scarborough railway bridge will close between 14 and 22 February.
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Affordable homes in York…. Council report adds to confusion

Under the last Labour Government Council house building reached a, post second world war, low.

Following our article yesterday, on section 106 affordable homes and other infrastructure requirements, the Council has now published a working group report on the issue.

The report talks only of “rural sites” of 10 homes or less being affected.

The government guidance however refers to all small sites.

We think that it is time to try something new to stimulate the house building market in York. The government guidance offers an opportunity to do that. If 800 additional homes were built each year, then inflationary pressure on house prices would reduce- benefiting everyone.

We do also need more affordable homes in the City.

The Council should change its policies and buy up empty properties in the City and add them to the rental pool.