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Police urge York visitors to enjoy themselves in the right way

Police are calling on people in York to enjoy themselves safely and in the right spirit, as the weather improves and visitor numbers increase.

In a drive to clamp down on alcohol-related anti-social behaviour caused by a minority, but which impacts on the enjoyment of the majority, police and council licensing officers will be distributing and discussing the code of conduct for people visiting York.

Sgt Nick Plumb, of York Police, said: “York city centre is busy on a weekend, with residents enjoying family time round the city, tourists sightseeing and people going about their day-to-day business.

“Our aim is for everyone to visit the city safely and enjoy its vibrant and historic atmosphere. That’s why we take a firm stance against anyone causing disruption. In particularly, we will target groups of visitors who travel to York and ‘preload’ themselves with alcohol, and then continue to drink excessively. If their behaviour is unacceptable we will take firm action, including the use of dispersal powers to remove them from the city centre.

“We are also reminding people that many families enjoy spending time in the city centre, and we would urge visitors not to bring inappropriate inflatable items, fancy dress or clothing with offensive slogans with them.”

The codes state that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated on the train or the station, in the street or in licensed premises. It says York’s city centre licensed premises have agreed not to allow inflatables, language or fancy dress which are considered offensive or inappropriate. They state they will not admit large groups (only at the licence holder’s discretion) or people they believe to be drunk. They won’t allow alcohol to be drunk that has not been purchased on the premises and will not tolerate anti-social behaviour. The code also makes it clear that details of anyone who is refused entry or asked to leave will be shared with other licensed premises and the police.

Officers received good feedback from the public and licensed premises when the code of conduct was launched last year as part of the multi-agency ‘Had Enough!’ campaign. As summer approaches, they are particularly keen to get the message across to visitors coming to York, such as those from outside the North Yorkshire area.

Sgt Plumb added: “We don’t want to stop visitors to York having a good time. We’re simply asking people to be aware of how much alcohol they consume, and how their behaviour affects others. Our aim is for everyone to feel safe and secure in the city centre.”

Shared Health and Safety service planned for York and North Yorkshire

A proposal to create a shared Health and Safety service for City of York Council and North Yorkshire County Council to help simplify and streamline teams will take a step forwards next week.

If approved at a public meeting on Monday 9 May, York’s Health and Safety (H&S) staff could be seconded to NYCC to deliver services to both councils.

The service is provided by a team of highly qualified and skilled individuals who lead on specialist areas such as fire safety, education, construction and social care.

A recent review highlighted the benefits a shared service could bring to both authorities including sharing good practice, skills and experience, avoiding duplication, whilst retaining high calibre H&S professionals and maximising and developing both services and practices, through a coherent single structure.

There have already been a number of good examples over the last year which has demonstrated how well each authority has supported each other. This includes introducing a shared Head of service, providing support during periods of unprecedented demand, joint training on issues such as fire risk assessment, safety of water systems and ensuring play equipment in schools is safe.

The proposals aim to build on this success and include implementing short-term arrangements that would last no more than a year, during which an options paper and business case will be prepared.

Cllr Andrew Waller, Executive Member for the Environment at City of York Council, said: “Nationally councils have found benefits from working together on the provision of specialist services like Health and Safety. It’s important we continue to build on this success with North Yorkshire and York, which can be achieved by integrating our staff with their experience to provide greater capacity for both authorities, greater flexibility to respond to changing priorities, working on joint initiatives and new working methods and by sharing best practice.”
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£1 million in Yorkshire speeding fines as spy vans set to multiply

North Yorkshire Police took £1,049,000 last year from 40,377 motorists caught exceeding the speed limit by their camera vans.

Speed van report – click

This paid for the £886,000 costs of running three vans and produced a surplus of £163,000 which the force claims is used for “road safety initiatives”.

The money came from charges for those opting to attend “speed awareness courses”.

5958 motorists were instead fined, with that income going to central government.

There are currently 6 speed vans operating in North Yorkshire and the crime commissioner now wants to increase this number to 12.

The announcement has been made only days before nominations close for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections which are due on 5^th May.

The report fails to include up to date figures for 2015/16.

The current PCC says she wants the additional vans to be used in “rural” areas – suggesting that her traditional Tory support is wavering.

She appears to be using her Commissioners office resources to promote a (belated) series of initiatives & meetings. Many may feel this is irregular given the proximity of the “purdah” period (during which election candidates are prevented from using taxpayer’s money to promote themselves).

Speeding clearly is a problem in some areas and the original intention of the vans – which North Yorkshire police dithered over introducing for over 2 years – was to focus on accident blackspots while making occasional visits to locations where residents were anxious about vehicle speeds.

This “reassurance” aspect doesn’t appear to be working very well. Despite requests from local Councillors, several roads in York (Wetherby Road, Green Lane) where vehicles regularly exceed the 30 mph limit never receive a deterrent visit from a camera van.

The new vans will include ANPR cameras which can be used to monitor the movements of vehicles.

NB. The number of people killed or seriously injured on North Yorkshires roads has been stable over recent years. Accidents involving motorcyclists have been high. One of the roads with the worst accident records is the A64.

Lifestyle Awards recognise community-spirited North Yorkshire youngsters

The community spirit of youngsters in North Yorkshire has been recognised at a glittering awards ceremony.

The North Yorkshire Police Lifestyle Awards Ceremony took place at York Racecourse on Thursday 19 November. The event rewards those who took part in a competition over the summer holidays which encouraged groups of young people to carry out projects that improve their communities.

Now in its third year, one of the aims behind the Lifestyle Challenge is to give young people a voice in their community and the opportunity to make positive changes. Since 2013 it has seen hundreds of youngsters aged between 10 and 17 take part, with hundreds of hours of work put in to projects as varied as cleaning beaches, clearing the gardens of elderly or housebound residents, organising family fun days, bake sales, sports days and launching anti-crime initiatives.
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North Yorkshire Police host biker safety events

In a continued effort to reduce motorcyclists’ deaths on our regions roads North Yorkshire Police are launching a series of biker events as part of the National Police Chiefs Council Motorcycle Week of Action.

Starting on Bank Holiday Monday and continuing throughout the week, BikeSafe events will take place in a number of locations popular with bikers.

BikeSafe is a nationwide police-led motorcyclist casualty reduction initiative that is run by the majority of forces throughout the country.

A BikeSafe workshop explores the main riding hazards that face bikers on a daily basis. We know that unfortunately 70% of motorcycle collisions are down to rider error; such as taking the wrong line through bends or inappropriate overtaking. By delivering theory based presentations and observed rides, the workshops aim to help riders discover their strengths and weaknesses and also where to go next to develop and get more from their biking.

The BikeSafe scheme is also supported by 95 Alive partnership colleagues who regularly visit venues popular with bikers, promoting Bikesafe and distributing other potentially lifesaving information

Events are scheduled to take place throughout the week at the following times and locations:

Mon 31st Aug – Helmsley Market Place from 12 to 6pm
Weds 2nd Sept – Manor Café, Bellerby from 4pm to 8pm
Thurs 3rd Sept – Whistlestop Café, Whitby from 4pm to 8pm
Sat 5th Sept – Squires Café, Sherburn in Elmet from 10am to 7pm

Police advanced motorcycle officers will be on hand to provide advice and information. Riders will also be able to pick up a copy of the Biker’s Guide to North Yorkshire which has been produced by the 95 Alive York and North Yorkshire Road Safety partnership. The guide provides invaluable advice about riding in North Yorkshire, highlighting hazards and high-risk locations on the most popular riding routes.

Traffic Sergeant Sean Grey, who is the Regional BikeSafe Coordinator said:

“BikeSafe is an invaluable scheme which provides constructive advice to enable riders to get the most out of their biking. By improving skills, knowledge and hazard awareness it makes riding safer and more enjoyable. The events are open to all to come along, have a chat with us to learn more about the training and enrol on a course. ”

As part of the week’s actions, the regions high risk locations will also receive increased police attention with support being provided by the NPAS helicopter on key routes.

Police will also be using a range of other enforcement methods, combining high visibility patrols, unmarked patrols, covert patrols, unmarked motorcycle equipped with speed detection and video recording equipment and mobile safety camera vans.

DCC Tim Madgwick, who is the NPCC Lead for Motorcycling said:

“The BikeSafe scheme offers riders a great opportunity to improve their skills, get more from their riding and ultimately keep themselves and other roads users safe – we know that the more training you get, the better and safer the rider you become.

“From the extensive research conducted by the 95 Alive partnership, five strong themes have been identified which cause the majority of collisions – filtering, junctions, cornering, overtaking and group riding. If we can assist riders in improving their handling of these hazards, this will lead to less tragedy on our roads.

Crime levels increasing in North Yorkshire

Drugs, robbery, sexual offences, violence, weapons offences show increases. Burglaries, vehicle offences & vandalism down

There were a total of 34,617 crimes in North Yorkshire 0.5% increase, 168 more crimes – in comparison to the same period in 2013-2014

Broken down into the main crime categories, the ONS figures for North Yorkshire show:

Domestic Burglary reduced by 13% (1,371 crimes in total, down 196 from ,1567), with overall Burglary down by 6% (3,960 crimes in total, down 258 from 4,218)
Criminal Damage and Arson down by 9% (5,097 crimes in total from 5,615)
14% reduction in Vehicle Offences (2,207 crimes in total, down 363 from 2,570)
Robbery increased by 25% (146 crimes in total, up 29 from 117)
8% decrease in Theft Offences (16,831 crimes in total)
Sexual Offences up by 50% (1,054 crimes in total, up 352 from 702). As previously explained, this rise is generally regarded as a positive reflection of the confidence victims have in North Yorkshire Police, particularly those making historical complaints. This is also influenced by Operation Yewtree and Operation Hibiscus (Jimmy Savile/Peter Jaconelli investigations), and the opening of a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in York two years ago.
Violence Against the Person went up by 20% (7,366 crimes in total, up by 1,128 from 6,138). This rise is almost entirely attributable to the Violence without Injury category. This includes Common Assault and Harassment offences. A problem profile conducted on trends in this crime category in the Autumn of last year showed improved recording following a recent HMIC inspection, an increase in historical reports, increased pro-activity around enforcement of orders and improved victim confidence.
Drug Offences increased by 15% (2,085 crimes in total, up 272 from 1,813)
Possession of Weapons Offences up by 26% (230 crimes in total, up by 47 from 183)
Public Order Offences decreased by 1% (1,238 crimes in total, down by 18 from 1,256)
Miscellaneous Crimes Against Society, which includes the possession and publication of extreme sexual images, was up by 35% (570 crimes in total, up by 148 from 422).

Deputy Chief Constable Tim Madgwick said: “The latest crime figures reflect the sheer determination of North Yorkshire Police and our partners to make North Yorkshire the safest place in England.

“We will continue to focus our efforts on all elements of criminality and improve the service we provide to those who unfortunately become victims of crime. Certain crimes continue to become more challenging and complex to investigate, however we are investing in new technology and I am confident the skills and commitment of the North Yorkshire Police team will rise to any future challenges.”

North Yorkshire remains the safest place to live, work and visit in England, the Office of National Statistics confirm.

Keep it to your selfie – North Yorkshire Police launches new online safety campaign

North Yorkshire Police has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of online safety and child sexual exploitation among young people.

The ‘keep it to your selfie’ campaign is urging teenagers to #pausebeforeyoupost and think about the consequences of sharing images online.

It is estimated that as many as 75,000 paedophiles are online at any one time making it vitally important that young people know exactly who they are taking to on the internet.

Three videos have been produced to support the campaign, which is aimed at boys and girls aged between 11 and 18.

One of the videos will be released each week for the next three weeks on North Yorkshire Police’s social media channels.

The first video can be found here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvy1QDugYlA

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Walker, Head of Cybercrime for North Yorkshire Police, said: “If we are to tackle child sexual exploitation effectively, we have to educate young people and do whatever we can to highlight the dangers to them and promote online safety.

“The internet, and social media in particular, is a place where paedophiles can groom children by posing as someone else and we have to make young people aware of that.

“I hope the videos we have produced can help young people stop and think about what they are doing before posting anything online. People share images and information in the virtual world that they wouldn’t dream of sharing in the real world and we need to make young people think about that.

“It is also important to bear in mind that once you have shared an image online you lose control of it, you don’t know where it will end up or whose hands it will fall into. You might think you are only sharing it with one person but do you know who they are going to share it with?”

The ‘keep it to your selfie’ campaign was launched at Selby Globe Community Cinema on Thursday 9 June 2015.

Detective Inspector Shaun Page, North Yorkshire Police’s lead for child sexual exploitation, said: “I am urging people to share the videos as much as possible. It is really important that we educate young people about child sexual exploitation and we think that the best way to reach them is online.

“The videos all carry a strong message in a style which young people can identify with and if they can prompt people to think carefully when using the internet and social media then we are making progress.

“It is very difficult to investigate child sexual exploitation which is committed online, therefore prevention and education is extremely important if we are to protect young people from internet predators.”

Keep an eye on Twitter @NYorksPolice and Facebook www.facebook.com/NorthYorkshirePolice or visit our Youtube channel www.Youtube/NorthYorkshirePolice to see the latest video release.

More information about child sexual exploitation can be found at www.northyorkshire.police.uk/cse

Plan ahead for the Tour de Yorkshire

City of York Council is encouraging residents and visitors to plan ahead for Saturday 2 May when stage two of the inaugural Tour de Yorkshire will finish in York.

Stage two of the Tour de Yorkshire will see riders setting off from Selby, racing through the East Riding of Yorkshire before making their way to York. The peloton will enter York from the A166 before taking on two and half laps of a 20km finishing circuit, around the city from the Racecourse and out to Murton, with the finish expected to be between 3.30 and 4pm.

A professional women’s race will cover five laps of the same 20km finishing circuit in the morning, with the race starting at 11am at Knavesmire Road. This will give people another great chance to see world class cycling in York.

The fast-paced circuit will see the cyclists negotiate the city’s historic streets including the bar and cobbles of Micklegate and the beautiful bar walls along Paragon Street.

The circuit also makes a welcome return to Bishopthorpe Road to replicate scenes that were seen across the world during the Tour de France.
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Tour de Yorkshire – residents briefings

Residents, businesses and local groups are being invited to find out more about the Tour de Yorkshire, at a series of information sessions held across the city.

People can expect to find out more on arrangements for routes, traffic management and travelling around the city for the event on 2 May. Several Tour de Yorkshire drop-in sessions will take place in the entrance hall at the councils West Offices in the run up to the race, including:

• Tuesday 24 February – 10am-12noon
• Tuesday 24 March – 2-4pm
• Friday 24 April – 10am-2pm

In addition, several Residents’ Forums and Parish Council meetings will have information on the Tour de Yorkshire, including:

• Wednesday 25 February, Stockton Parish Council, Stockton-on-the-Forest Village Hall from 7.30pm
• Wenesday 4 March, Haxby and Wigginton Residents Forum, Ralph Butterfield’s School, 7pm
• Thursday 5 March, Dringhouses’ Residents Forum, St Edward’s the Confessor Church, Tadcaster Road, 7pm
• Monday 9 March, Haxby Town Council, Memorial Hall, Haxby, 7.30pm
• Tuesday 17 March, Osbaldwick Parish Council, St Thomas’ Church from 7-pm
• Wednesday 18 March, Huntington Parish Council, Huntington Community Centre, 7pm
• Wednesday 25 March, Clifton Residents Forum, Clifton Green Primary School, 7pm

The Council says: “As we are able to progress our plans we want to inform residents of the best viewing options and how they can go about moving around the city on 2 May. We hope residents and visitors will start creating a plan for their day in advance so they are able to fully enjoy it.”

Council taxpayers are coughing up over £150,000 to subsidise the event which is taking place on a busy bank holiday!

For more information on the Tour de Yorkshire visit www.york.gov.uk/info/200721/tour_de_yorkshire

Special people wanted by North Yorkshire Police

North Yorkshire Police are on the hunt for people with that “Special” quality, as the force launches its campaign to recruit a new intake of Special Constables.

Special Constables are volunteers, who commit at least four hours of their time per week to keeping communities safe. “Specials” go through a rigorous training programme before they qualify to go out on the beat, where they work alongside regular police officers covering a wide range of different duties – anything from policing public events, to tackling anti-social behaviour or attending emergency incidents.

North Yorkshire Police currently has more than 160 Special Constable volunteers, who come from a wide range of backgrounds and professions, including teachers, airline cabin crew, office workers and archaeologists.

The force is hoping to recruit a further 100 Specials as part of a wider programme to boost the number of citizens involved in policing, and enhance links with all parts of the community in North Yorkshire.

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