July 6, 2020 – York commentary archive site

Crime levels in York gradually increased during the lock-down period. The latest figures cover the period up to the end of May.

Those for “York Outer”, which excludes the City centre, revealed that 1689 crimes were reported during May.

This was a 12 month high.

Crime levels in the City centre fell significantly during the same period. Despite this, during May, the Guildhall ward had the 19^th highest crime incidence of any unitary authority ward across England & Wales

In total 1849 crimes were recorded within the York Council area during May.

Over half the reports involved anti-social behaviour. There were also significant numbers of complaints about violence/sexual offences suggesting that social isolation might have adversely impacted on the domestic violence numbers.

Lock-down eased during June so observers will be watching carefully to see whether the crime trend continues.

Deaths and test results

The number of positive virus test results in York continues to edge up.

It has now topped 900 cumulative cases.

Better news on deaths where no more have been recorded at York Trust hospitals.

The total remains at 214.

Household waste sites – appointments still needed.

Just a reminder that the York Council is still asking residents to make an appointment if they wish to use the household waste site at Hazel Court. The Council said that they would be phasing out the requirement in the light of low user numbers.

Mansion House reopening to public

The Mansion House will be reopening for guided tours on Wednesday 22^nd July.

The managers say, “From next week, we will be launching an online booking page, where it will be possible to book onto a 45 minute guided tour, which will run throughout the day from Wednesday to Sunday. On each tour we will allow no more than six people, so we can stay in complete control of distancing, and deliver the best experience possible”.