Crime up in Westfield

 Compared to this time last year the number of crimes in the ward is currently up standing at 122 compared to 113 last year.

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The main increases are in violence, arson/criminal damage and burglary.

 Anti Social Behaviour is also up over the last 3 months compared to this time last year.

The police say this is down to the problem that they are having on Acomb Green with large groups of youths gathering there.

Residents have, however, begun to note similar problems developing in other areas including Foxwood – where there was a serious case of vandalism only last week

Details of local crime levels can be found by clicking here.

The expectation is that the new coalition run Council will review urgently the effectiveness of the so called “anti social behaviour hub” which concentrated neighbourhood policing resources into West Offices in the City centre when it was established 2 years ago.

The plan was criticised at the time for reducing the number of dedicated community constables, breaking long established links between community groups and local police officers who really understood neighbourhoods and residents.

Westfield used to have 2 identified police constables and 4 PCSOs.  That is no longer the case and resources seem to be thin on the ground as we enter the summer period when street level crime often increases.

The Police no longer publish information indicating which officers serve which wards and neighbourhoods although some police surgeries do still take place. None are currently advertised on the west York Police web page

It looks like prompt action is now required to reassure residents about policing policies and resource allocations.