Anti social behaviour peaks in Chapelfields

Dispersal order in place from 5:00pm today

Police are warning that robust action will be taken following eight days of high level anti-social behaviour in York’s Chapelfields estate.

There have been more than twenty five incidents of anti-social behaviour in the Chaplefields area between 9 August and 16 August.

The nature of the incidents, have included anti-social use of mopeds and motorcycles, arson, drug use and criminal damage.

The groups of youths, sometimes up to thirty in number, causing this hazardous disruption have also been using threatening and abusive language towards residents and the police.

Circumstances of some of the more serious reports involved a flat window being forced open and fireworks thrown inside, a youth threatening an officer with a piece of wood a group climbing onto the school roof, where the skylight has been previously smashed by a group of the youths.

Bramham Road

The incidents have taken places across various locations in the area including Bramham Road, Bramham Avenue, Chaplefields Road, Westfield Place and Barkston Grove.

A dispersal order is going to be implemented at 5 pm today which will last for 48 hours. The dispersal order will cover an area of Bramham Road which includes the junction of Barkston Grove, and another area of Bramham Road which covers Costcutter and the junctions either side of Bramham avenue.

Inspector Lee Pointon of the York North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:

The levels of anti-social behaviour this group are committing is just astonishing and they are causing so much misery amongst the community in Chaplefields.

Many residents, including the elderly and vulnerable, have felt intimidated, have been verbally abused, and are scared in their own home. This is totally unacceptable behaviour.
These youths are ruining what should be a respectable community enjoying the summer months and school holidays. Instead, we are seeing this group of defiant individuals who have no intentions other than to be nasty, cause desolation and despair amongst the public.

My team of officers and PCSOs are working hard to identify these youths and exercise the powers we can to deter them from this anti-social behaviour.

A dispersal order will be put in place today that will last for 48 hours. Anyone who breaks the order will be arrested. If the order is deemed successful, it will be continued throughout next week”.

Anyone who witnesses anti-social behaviour or who has any information is asked to contact police. Dial 101, press 1 and speak to the force control room.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

In the recent survey conducted by local Councillors in the Chapelfields estate many residents complained about what they regarded as the low police profile in the area.

  • 39% of respondents described policing in the estate as “poor”
  • Better security was the most requested improvement for the area

June edition of Chapelfields Focus newsletter

20,000 milestone for North Yorkshire Community Messaging

More than 20,000 people are now signed up to an innovative community and crime alert service to help keep North Yorkshire safe.

20,000 milestone for North Yorkshire Community MessagingNorth Yorkshire Community Messaging (NYCM) is a free system that allows people to register to receive the latest crime, safety and community news happening in their local neighbourhoods.

It was launched in April 2016, and is now used by North Yorkshire Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner, Neighbourhood Watch, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, and the district councils of Selby, Ryedale, Hambleton and Richmondshire.

More than 1,250 people joined NYCM in July 2017 alone, bringing the total number of subscribers to over 20,000. That’s more than enough to fill Headingley cricket ground – or York’s Bootham Crescent twice over.

As North Yorkshire is the largest county in England, community messaging can be used to share messages and appeals across a wide area very quickly, particularly in rural areas.

Users can tailor preferences for the type of message they receive, their preferred channel (phone, text, email or notification) and the locations that matter to them. A smartphone app even allows people to receive alerts based on their current location.
(more…)

York Police warn on puppy and kitten fraud

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) and Action Fraud have recently noticed a rise in the reporting of pets, and in particular puppies and kittens, being advertised for sale via popular online auction websites.

The fraudsters will place an advert of the pet for sale, often claiming that the pet is currently held somewhere less accessible or overseas. Upon agreement of a sale, the suspect will usually request an advance payment by money transfer or bank transfer.

However, the pet does not materialise and the fraudster will subsequently ask for further advanced payments for courier charges, shipping fees and additional transportation costs. Even if further payments are made, the pet will still not materialise as it is likely to not exist.

Tips to staying safe when purchasing pets:

(more…)

“Don’t ring us” N. Yorks Police

Technical difficulties being experienced on 101

The North Yorkshire Police say their Force Control Room is currently experiencing some technical difficulties taking 101 calls (Wednesday 2 August 2017 6.15pm)

“If your call is not urgent or not an emergency, please do not call 101 at the moment.

999 emergency calls are being answered.

We will provide further update as soon as normal service resumes”.

Police struggling to deal with calls to 101

North Yorkshire Police say they are experiencing around a 20 percent increase in demand to the Force Control Room resulting in delays in answering some calls.

In a statement they say, “This is not unique to North Yorkshire as forces across the country are experiencing the same issues. We are working to resolve this, but it will take time”.

The crisis comes at a time when North Yorkshires Police and Crime Commissioner has launched a bid to take over the management of the Fire and Rescue service.

Deputy Chief Constable Lisa Winward, said: “Like most forces across the country, we are currently experiencing high demand in the Force Control Room with an increase in calls – particularly 999 calls – of around 20 percent since May 2017. For example, on Sunday 18 June, we received more calls than on New Year’s Eve, which historically is our busiest day of the year and is planned for in advance.

“I would like to reassure members of the public that we are implementing a number of measures to help deal with the unprecedented increase in demand, now and into the future, but this cannot be done overnight.

“999 emergency calls must take precedence over non-emergencies, and the increase is having a knock-on effect on the time it takes to answer non-emergency calls. We ask the public to please bear with us as we implement the improvement measures over the coming months.

“Our control room staff are working extremely hard as we work to service the increase in demand and implement the changes. It is a very fast-paced and pressurised environment and I must pay tribute to the commitment and resilience they have shown during this time.

“In the meantime, we ask members of the public to use 101 in the correct circumstances. Our website provides information on when to contact the police, the best way to contact us and when to call other agencies such as the council.

“Always call 999 if your safety threatened or in an emergency situation.”

Call numbers this month to date compared to the same time last year

2 July 2016 – 24 July 2016

999 calls – 4,920

101 calls – 19,409

2 July 2017 – 24 July 2017

999 calls – 6,114 (25% increase)

101 calls – 20,498

Special Constable recruitment in York: webchat on Wednesday

Anyone interested in becoming a Special Constable is invited to join a webchat hosted by North Yorkshire Police as part of its ongoing recruitment campaign.

The force has assembled a panel of experts including current Special Constables and Human Resource staff who can answer any questions potential recruits may have about joining up.

The webchat will take place on Wednesday 19 July 2017 between 6pm and 7pm. To take part, go to northyorkshire.police.uk/webchat.

Special Constables are volunteer police officers who have the same uniform and powers as regular (paid) police officers. They volunteer a minimum of 16 hours per month to policing York and North Yorkshire and carry out a full range of operational, front-line duties.

“Specials” as they are known, come from all walks of life and backgrounds, which means that they bring with them a whole host of skills and abilities which complement those of their full-time colleagues.

The force is actively encouraging applicants from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, and people who are looking for a new challenge, but want to remain in their current careers.

Special Constables on road safety operation

Special Chief Officer, Sharron Moverely-Holmes, has been a Special Constables for over 30 years. She said: “We realise that many people who are thinking of applying will have lots of questions and we want to make sure they have all the information they need before embarking on what is a big commitment.

“Being a Special Constable is a unique and privileged volunteer role, and while it can be very challenging and demanding, it brings immense rewards –  from helping people in their times of need, to developing new skills for life and taking advantage of new opportunities.”

If you can’t make the webchat, you can submit your questions in advance via Facebook.com/NorthYorkshirePolice

For more information about becoming a special and to apply, visit northyorkshire.police.uk/specials

Computer fraud alert by York Police

North Yorkshire Police have been made aware of members of the public receiving phone calls from a male, speaking in a foreign accent, claiming to be from BT advising them that their computer has alerted them to problems in relation to their Broadband/Router.

He claims that it is being heavily infected with a virus and as such BT need to send an engineer to their property the next day.

But beforehand they require the customer to log onto their computer to facilitate a fault report for the engineer.

If the customer refuses to go along with their scam, the male becomes extremely abusive.

If you have been victim to such a phone call please contact Action Fraud on 0300 1232040

Westfield residents survey results updated to include Cornlands Rd/Gale Lane area

The results, from the Westfield Councillors annual survey of public opinion, have been updated to include the Cornlands Road area.

The summary report can be downloaded by clicking here

Residents said they were satisfied with most public services in the area. The best performing was the bus service, mirroring the similar result obtained in the nearby Chapelfields estate.

Lack of car parking on local roads was the key grievance.

Residents wanted to see the return of a regular skip service.

There were many complaints about overgrown Council owned  trees and bushes which are obstructing paths and gardens.

Several policing issues were highlighted with anti social behaviour apparently on the increase.

The top priority for regeneration of the Front Street area was the provision of level forecourts across the whole shopping area.

The future of the Front Street area is due to be discussed at a public meeting taking place tomorrow (Wednesday) at the Gateway Centre starting at 6:30pm. 

Ransomware – York police advice

Following a global ransomware incident which took place Tuesday 27 June 2017 North Yorkshire Police and Action Fraud is reminding businesses and individuals how they can protect themselves from ransomware and what they should do if they become a victim.

How to protect yourself:
  • •Don’t click on links, or open any attachments, if you receive unsolicited emails or SMS messages. The links may lead to malicious websites and any attachments could be infected with malware.
  • •Always install software updates as soon as they’re available. Whether you’re updating the operating system or an application, the update will often include fixes for critical security vulnerabilities.
  • •Install anti-virus software on your computer and mobile devices, and keep it updated. Bear in mind that ransomware can often be picked up by visiting disreputable sites including illegal movie streaming websites and some adult sites.
  • •Create regular backups of your important files to an external hard drive, memory stick or online storage provider. It’s important that the device you back up to isn’t left connected to your computer as any malware infection could spread to that too.
    If you think you may be a victim:
  • •Report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040
  • •Don’t pay extortion demands as this only feeds into criminals’ hands and there’s no guarantee that access to your files will be restored if you do pay.