York police and crime update

CCTV appeal following alleged theft from Mothercare in York

North Yorkshire Police have issued CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to in relation to the alleged theft of several items of baby clothing from Mothercare.

Mothercare 1

The man entered the store on Clifton Moor in York at around 9.30am on Monday 9 November 2015.

Police are appealing for anyone who can identify the man or anyone who has any information Mothercare 2which could assist the investigation to contact them on 101 and ask to speak to PC Sarah Scott or email Sarah.Scott@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk. Please quote reference 12150199096.

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

Successful rural operation sees police in North Yorkshire targeting travelling criminals

Six people were arrested in North Yorkshire last night as part of a clampdown on criminals targeting the county’s rural areas.

19-year-old Eaglescliffe arrested after officers stopped a Fiat Punto on the B1365 near Stokesley due to its manner of driving

At the same time as the force’s Roads Policing and Road Crime teams were appearing on national TV on the BBC show Traffic Cops, those same teams were out on the roads, fighting crime in rural North Yorkshire.

Operation Checkpoint, which took place overnight, targeted cross-border criminals in rural areas across the north of England.

In North Yorkshire, dozens of Watch volunteers joined police officers and specialist units – including the force’s Roads Policing Group (RPG) and Road Crime Team (RCT) – across the Richmondshire, Hambleton and Ryedale areas.

More

 Public invited to observe North Yorkshire Police use of stop and search powers

Police are calling for more people to apply to observe officers using their stop and search powers, as part of a new scheme to increase transparency.

North Yorkshire Police

Under the Stop and Search Lay Observer Scheme, members of the public can apply to accompany officers on patrol when they might deploy stop and search powers.

North Yorkshire Police officers carry out about 20 stop searches per day, and these powers are an effective policing tool to detect crime, recover property and arrest offenders. The force has adopted the Home Office Best Use of Stop and Search Scheme to increase transparency and further improve our use of these powers. Since its launch, one member of the public has already accompanied officers under the scheme, with a further six attachments planned in the near future.

More

York Council releases latest – more comprehensive – performance stats

Unemployment low, forecast 12% increase in crime levels, poor housing management performance,

The latest performance figures from the York Council provide a lot more information about public service standards in the City. It is a welcome improvement from the “dark ages” between 2011 and 2015 when little was revealed and Freedom of Information requests flourished

Environment KPIs click to access

Environment KPIs click to access

The Council is reporting a big over-spend on the costs of looking after children from broken homes. Car parking income is already £282,000 below budgeted levels, and the Council has, of course, received no income from ANPR enforcement on Coppergate.

One worrying trend is on crime where “significant increases are forecast in the violent crime, criminal damage and burglary of non-dwellings”. With elections for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner coming up in May, candidates can expect to be questioned closely on their plans to reverse crime trends in the City.

As you would expect, performance in other areas varies. No one expects perfection – just a solid response to any evidence of declining standards.

The only department that still hasn’t adjusted to the new, more open, culture appears to be the Housing department. The Housing Revenue Account looks like it will underspend by £480,000 this year – yet many estate regeneration projects remain on the shelf.

Housing KPIs click

Housing KPIs click

Housing KPIs lack information about contact volumes, complaint levels. repair numbers and customer satisfaction levels.  There is no exception reporting. No “longest outstanding issue” figures are provided.

Housing have also produced a new “business plan” which singularly fails to identify any administrative savings despite a heavy investment in technology. The lamentable condition of many estates – particularly  communal spaces and in garage areas  – together with growing issues like the lack of off street car parking, is largely ignored.

The Council’s Executive when it meets next week should send the housing documents back for a rethink.

Detailed KPIs can be found behind these links:

What’s on in York: We are friends LGBT

Date: Sat 6 Feb
Time: 11.00am – 12.00 noon and 2.00pm – 2.30pm
Venue: Acomb Explore Library and York Explore Library
Cost: Free drop in but must have a ticket

Come and join Mud Pie Arts, Acomb Explore and York Explore for a special story time.

Sat 6 Feb : Acomb Explore Library : 11.00am – 12.00pm

Books AliCome and join Mud pie Arts and Acomb Explore on National Libraries day for a special story time all about celebrating difference, tolerance and being friends.

The stories and activities are aimed at children aged 3-7 and a parent or carer must stay.

This is a free session but booking is advised as places are limited

Please contact Katie Atkinson on mailto:Katie.atkinson@exploreyork.org.uk  or ring  01904 552651.

Visit the Explore York website www.exploreyork.org.uk

What’s on in York: We are friends!

Date: Sat 6 Feb
Time: 2.00pm – 2.30pm
Venue: York Explore Library
Cost: Free

Come and join us on National Libraries Day for a special story time all about celebrating difference.

Books AliThis special storytime is suitable for Under 5s and their carers.

York Explore Library from 200pm to 2.30pm

It is a FREE drop-in session, no booking required.

Carers must stay with children.

01904 552828
york@exploreyork.org.uk