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Celebrating the 60th twinning anniversary between York and Münster

Munster

York

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the twinning between York and Münster, Germany.

Since 1957 there have been hundreds of exchange visits between the two cities, including civic party visits, school exchanges, choirs, rotary clubs, sports teams and artists. The Lord Mayor’s recent visit to Münster and a new community memory project marks the start of the celebrations.

The Foreign Office approached City of York Council in 1957 to propose the twinning with Münster as part of a process to help re-build relationships between the two countries after World War II.

The 50th anniversary of the twinning was celebrated in 2007 when the Oberbürgermeister (similar to a Lord Mayor position in the UK) and the then Lord Mayor signed a symbolic agreement to recognise the twinning and to commit to the relationship in future.

The current Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress visited Münster in December 2016 where they met their civic counterparts and visited the Christmas markets, to see how they approach and deliver the festive experiences. (more…)

Empty property fraud alert from York Police

white-collar-crime-1

North Yorkshire Police would like to make you aware of a national increase in organised criminal groups currently targeting empty properties in the UK to apply for loans, duping mortgage providers and causing further distress to members of the public.
Criminal networks are identifying empty properties using names on published obituaries and carrying out further research on the Land Registry. Once a suitable property has been discovered the criminal group then organise for fake documentation to be produced, registering on the electoral role and with utility companies. They meticulously work through the legal hurdles until the finances are released by the unsuspecting organisation. The rights to the property actually belong to a completely innocent party who have no idea the crime has taken place until a much later point.

PROTECTION / PREVENTION ADVICE:

There is an increased risk of fraud when:
• a property is empty or has been bought-to-let
• the owner is spending time abroad or is absent
• the owner is infirm or in a nursing or care home
• a relationship breaks down between the property owners/dwellers
• a property has no mortgage

Protect yourself against property fraud:
• Be very wary of mail solicitations claiming great returns, no matter how good they look. Check out the company first. For example, does it have a legitimate street address and landline number?
• If a deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is.
• Owners who are concerned their property might be subject to a fraudulent sale or mortgage can quickly alert the Land Registry and speak to specially trained staff for practical guidance about what to do next by calling the Property Fraud Line on 0300 006 7030. The line is open from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
• If you have been affected by this, or any other fraud, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

York Police issue warning about Email scam

Potentially useful warning from the Police community messaging service

North Yorkshire Police would like to make you aware of the following email phishing scam:
Fraudsters are sending out a high number of phishing emails, mainly targeting email addresses connected to businesses in the United Kingdom, with the message subject heading ‘Notice of Intended Prosecution’ and ‘NIP – Notice Number’ followed by a combination of letters and numbers.

A NIP, used legally, informs an individual of the intention to take proceedings against the driver of a motor vehicle, in accordance with Sec1 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

The emails purport to come from the Greater Manchester Police.

It is believed that the URL hidden behind the line ‘Check The Photographic Evidence’ delivers the GOZI/ISFP Banking Trojan which is involved in stealing online banking login details from victims.
If you have been affected by this, or any other fraud, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.

Nuisance neighbour’s York council tenancy ends

City of York Council has evicted a council tenant yesterday (Tuesday 6 December) for breaching the terms of his tenancy and after being successfully prosecuted for noise nuisance.

This follows a County Court Possession Order being granted to the council which stemmed from the conviction for breaching a noise abatement notice and the seizure of a CD player and speakers from the address.

The possession order and the prosecution of the breached abatement notice followed months of noise nuisance by the tenant Sean Harman (aged 37, of Bishophill Junior) who, the court heard, had been involved in other anti-social and criminal behaviour in the area.

Harman was served a noise abatement notice on 21May 2016 by council officers from the Community Safety Hub while on the weekend, late-night Noise Patrol. From a neighbouring home they witnessed ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ played so loudly it caused the floor to vibrate. The CD player used was seized from Harman’s home by officers on 24 May with support from North Yorkshire Police. On 27 July 2016, Harman was convicted in his absence at York Magistrates Court of breaching the notice and was fined a total £1,486.

The possession order allowed the council to end Harman’s council tenancy for having breached its terms by engaging in anti-social behaviour, nuisance and criminal activity.
(more…)

Giving direct to homeless charities is the best way to help those who beg in York

A homeless person begging A new campaign is asking kind-hearted residents and visitors in York to text £3 to local homeless charities which can help people off the streets and into safer and more stable lives, and not give cash direct to people who beg on the street.

The Salvation Army, Carecent, Arclight and Lifeline are four charities working with City of York Council, North Yorkshire Police and Make It York to make people aware that if they want to help those suffering hardship, the best way is by giving to the charities which can make a real, long-term difference.

Using the hashtag #NoNeedToBegYork, the campaign will share the message ‘Giving to those who beg won’t help, giving to charity will’ through a year-long campaign. An easy and safe way of giving to local homeless charities is being promoted and people who wish to help are asked to give £3 by texting ‘YORK33£3’ to ‘70070’.

This money will be shared with homeless charities including Carecent and The Salvation Army in York which can offer immediate practical support and longer term support to find a home, maintain a tenancy, training and finding employment, as well as supporting those with mental health or substance misuse issues.

To promote the message, the partnership has been given a stall at St Nicholas Fair in Coppergate by Make It York from 17 – 27 November. Staff from the charities will give out information on the work they do and take donations.

The partner charities confirm that well-meaning people who give their spare change to people who beg on the streets may not realise that this can be counter-productive. Giving direct to people who beg can prolong their situation and discourage them from seeking the right help and support.

They may not realise either that while there are some people in genuine need who beg in York, there are others who travel to the city to beg. These ‘professionals’ boast they can make up to £300 a day by preying on the kindness of York’s residents and visitors which is illegal.

There is about 18 rough sleepers in York at the moment, none of whom need to sleep out because the council and other services offer emergency accommodation to anyone from November to February. As usual at Christmastime, local services continue to provide meals and support for people who experience homelessness, including donated presents to help make the day special.

“Homeless charities and the council’s homeless services are best placed to support vulnerable people. By giving to local charities, you can be sure you will be making a real difference to the lives of those in genuine need.”

Members of the public who are concerned about individuals sleeping rough can ring 0300 500 0194, a national helpline which alerts local agencies to respond.

Donations from the public will be shared between:

Carecent, a York-based breakfast centre which provides food and clothing, support and advice
The Salvation Army’s Early Intervention and Prevention Team in York which identifies the needs of vulnerable people on the street immediately, providing services such as accommodation, health assessments and food
Arc Light, a charity that provides accommodation and support to homeless men and women in York.

Timetable for Remembrance Sunday in York

The main parade, which departs from the Clifford’s Tower at 10.30am and marches to the Memorial Gardens, will include serving military personnel from all the services and regiments from across the city, together with civilian organisations, including Scouts, Guides and St John Ambulance.

The service will start with the firing of a minute gun to denote a two minute silence. There will be prayers and wreath laying by representatives of organisations from across the city, led by the Lord Lieutenant for North Yorkshire followed by the Lord Mayor. They will then review those who are on parade.

The Royal Armoured Corps Band will provide the music for the ceremony and the parade.

There will be road closures in the city centre on Sunday morning, to allow the parade to cross the city, from the Eye of York to Memorial Gardens on Leeman Road. There will be a rolling road closure in effect, from 10.15am to 11am, and for the return parade from 11.30am to 12.30pm. Areas affected include routes in the area of Clifford’s Tower, Tower Street, Coney Street, Museum Street, Lendal Bridge, Station Rise, Station Road and Leeman Road.

Following the service in the gardens, the parade will return to St Helen’s Square where the Lord Lieutenant, Lord Mayor and General Hill CBE, of 1 Division UK will take the salute as the parade marches past and proceeds along Coney Street.
(more…)

Fewer drunks on York City centre streets?

According to community safety officials problems with drink related crime in the city centre reduced last year.

York drunk A new report says, “alcohol-related occurrences have decreased by 3% (50 incidents) in 2015 .

ASB nuisance reports decreased by 11% (172 incidents). These reports include: begging and vagrancy, buskers, street urination, public order behaviour such as fighting or drunkenness and verbal abuse. Theft related incidents were also down”.

However, “Violence-related reports increased by 18 incidents in 2015”. Violent crime covers a wide spectrum from minor assaults, harassment and abuse that result in no physical harm to the victim through to incidents of wounding and murder

Most of the problems occur in Coney Street, Micklegate, Blake Street, Blossom Street and Clifford Street.

The highest levels of reported occurrences are during the summer months of July and August, together with December. Calls for police service are at their highest on weekends; Saturday and Sunday. This was consistent across 2014 and 2015. Activity is highest between 1pm-6pm and midnight-4am.

In response to a small survey of City centre visitors by the Police, 52% felt that York was not family friendly on a Saturday afternoon, 50% felt that partner agencies were working well together to make York safe on Saturdays and 94% felt that seeing a police presence in the city made them feel safer.

The Police blame visitors from the North East and South Yorkshire for many of the issues.

More patrols are now operating on Fridays and Saturdays. In addition, the Council are in the process of recruiting two full-time Licensing Enforcement Officers who will work evenings and weekends and whose duties will include visits to licensed premises to ensure they are complying with the Licensing Act 2003 and any additional licence conditions.

Unfortunately, the report makes no mention of the increased anti-social behaviour problems evident in some sub-urban areas over the last 12 months

Have your say on the Joint Minerals and Waste Plan for York

A six week consultation on the Joint Minerals and Waste Plan for York and North Yorkshire will take place between Wednesday 9 November and 5pm on Wednesday 21 December 2016.

City of York Council, North Yorkshire County Council, and the North York Moors National Park Authority have joined together to produce a plan for the area covered by the three authorities.

City of York Council’s Local Plan Working Group and Executive approved the draft Minerals and Waste Joint Plan for consultation in October. (more…)

Crime prevention operation to keep dark night burglars away from York

Light up, lock up – that’s the message from York Police as they re-launch the city’s biggest ever crime prevention campaign.

With the clocks going back and the nights drawing in, officers are concerned that opportunist burglars could target homes left obviously empty and in darkness.

Throughout the month of November, York Police will be undertaking Operation Joypad, an initiative that will see officers and PCSOs on high-visibility patrols around key areas of the city.

Any premises that are in darkness and appear empty will be identified, and crime prevention advice given to ensure that residents are aware how to better protect their homes.

Over the summer, officers on Operation Joypad checked 21,000 homes in York, to ensure they hadn’t been left vulnerable to burglars with insecure doors and windows during the warm weather.

Sergeant Colin Sutherland, of York Police, said: “The darker nights are well and truly here, and this can catch residents out when it comes to home security. Too often, householders are making their properties an attractive proposition for burglars and thieves by leaving them in darkness.

“However, a few simple steps are all it takes to counter this risk – and this is where the police can help.”

Key ‘dark night’ crime prevention advice includes:

• a well-lit home gives the impression that someone is in
• use timer switchers to turn lights on while you are out
• don’t leave curtains closed during the day, only in the evening and overnight
• lock all windows and doors
• keep valuable items out of view
• keep gates well secured

Officers will also have dot peen property marking equipment available at locations in the area where the operation is taking place.

Visibly marked property acts as a deterrent to thieves, and if it is lost or stolen, helps the police identify its rightful owner and provide evidence vital in securing prosecutions.

Sgt Sutherland added: “We will highlight the locations of our property marking sessions on our social media feeds, and I would encourage residents to take advantage of this and attend if they have property and valuables they wish to have marked.”

To find out when your next property marking event is taking place in York, contact your local police team via 101, or follow them on Facebook, or Twitter at @snayorkcityeast, @snayorknorth or @snayorkwest – the service is promoted with the hashtag #whatisdotpeen.

For more information about home security and property marking, visit www.northyorkshire.police.uk/homesecurity. You can also download the North Yorkshire Police interactive home security iBook, available for free on iPhone and iPad – just search for “Securing your home” on iTunes.

So who really is responsible for the decline in crime prevention in York?

Many residents are becoming frustrated with the decline in public order in the City.

But not so good news later in the week when there were outbreaks of vandalism and graffiti not seen for soem time. The Police and crime Commissioner started an "on line" survey asking residents for their policing priorities.

Recent vandalism reports

While some may put the change down to the “yobfest” culture surrounding the Brexit vote, in reality it is more the lack of high profile policing on our streets that is to blame for the petty crime, vandalism and anti-social behaviour we are seeing. So, where does responsibility for community safety lie?

Home Secretary

Currently Amber Rudd MP. Has overall responsibility for policing in the UK. Sets government grant levels and some police conditions (but not local policing priorities)

Police and Crime Commissioner for York and North Yorkshire

Currently Julia Mulligan. A Tory politician directly (re) elected a few months ago, albeit against some pretty poor quality opponents and on a very low turnout. She says she is accountable for “how crime and community safety is tackled throughout the county of North Yorkshire and the City of York”. Currently consulting on a new “Policing Plan” Click here Has a complicated web site but seems to have realised recently that only the use of social media could actually engage people across as large an area as North Yorkshire. Has been criticised for fronting high profile national campaigns – on worthy but minority issues – at the expense of core concerns like neighbourhood crime. Markedly “rural” in her priorities largely ignoring York (which suffers over 30% of reported crime). She recently appointed a Deputy which will significantly increase the expenditure of the PCCs office.

Police and Crime Panel

Vandalism on Chesney’s Field

Holds the Commissioner “to account”. Comprised mostly of Tory Councillors. Is supposed to meet in public but you’d be hard pressed to find an evidence that it proactively advertises its meetings (or other activities for that matter). Mainly deals with complaints about the PCC but nods through policing plans, appointments and taxation level proposals The meetings are listed by the County Council web site (click) but not by the City of York Council The last panel meeting did receive a report on reducing Crime and ASB.

Chief Constable

Dave Jones was appointed Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police on 3 June 2013. Has a low profile in York (compared to his predecessor)? Is responsible for deployment of resources and police tactics. Has been criticised for the decision to centralise Anti-Social Behaviour work into the West Offices in York. Ultimately it would be his call whether to reintroduce “community constable” type systems which were very effective in the last decade.

Neighbourhood Policing Teams

Crime increasing, communications reducing

In the past local police and PCSOs have formed part of neighbourhood teams. They regularly used to meet with Ward Councillors, resident’s groups and other agency partners. They do have social media access with the York West team “tweeting” quite regularly (@snayorkwest) Confusingly the neighbourhood policing team for Westfield Ward is now called York South. There are no named officers specialising in the Ward (or any other ward for that matter) although the City centre alcohol economy is clearly a drain on resources. https://northyorkshire.police.uk/neighbourhoods/york-city-south/ There are no events publicised as taking place in this area. The police used to have surgeries on a regular basis. Now we get the occasional “dot peen” property marking visit. Street level visibility – even for PCSOs – has reduced in recent years

Safer York Partnership

Community Safety Partnerships were formed because of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Safer York Partnership says it “provides both the strategic direction for community safety and local delivery of community safety outcomes across the city of York. Safer York Partnership has representatives from key voluntary and statutory agencies including City of York Council, North Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, Probation, Public Health and York CVS”

The last “news” on their web site is dated July 2016. Not to be confused with a similar, but even more outdated, web site of a similar name http://www.saferyork.org.uk/

The group meet every three months and their minutes are published on the York Council’s web site click However the meetings are not open to the public, while agendas and supporting papers (e.g. performance reports) are not published.

York Council Executive member with responsibility for “Community Safety”

The York Council’s web site tells us that Cllr David Carr has responsibility for “Alcohol and Drugs Action; Housing; Fraud ; Safer Neighbourhoods; Police liaison; Anti-Social Behaviour; Licensing Enforcement and Licensing Policy, Community Cohesion and Prevent, plus Emergency Planning”.

Sadly, there is little evidence that he has had any impact in any of these policy areas. Indeed, after 18 months in post, he has yet to hold his first “decision meeting” and there is no record of any action taken to check service standards in the suburban areas or even to talk with local communities about their concerns.

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