Drug possession, public order and theft offences up in York

Overall crime numbers stable in year to the end of September 2014.

The latest crime figures produced by ONS show an increase in some types of crime in York. (See table below)

Crime numbers in York

Crime numbers in York

The biggest concerns will probably be over public order  and “theft from a person” offences both of which have risen for the fifth consecutive quarter.

Drug related crime is also on the increase as are (reported) sexual offences and shoplifting.

The violence figures remain high.

The Police are right to point out that North Yorkshire is a safe place to live and enjoys the second lowest crime rate in the country.

But there is work to do in York and the figures are likely to reopen the debate about whether the County’s Deputy Chief Constable should be relocated and headquartered in the City.

The York Council may also need to review its policies.

It has a role to play in reducing crime in general and public order problems in particular.

A statement from North Yorkshire Police is reproduced below
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Breathalysers set to help curb drunken disorder in York

Police in York have unveiled their latest tool to help curb drink-induced disorder in the city.

Breathalyser device for door staff

Breathalysers have been given to door staff at a number of licensed premises to help stop people who have had too much to drink from getting in to bars and clubs.

While door staff will still use discretion over an individual’s level of intoxication and whether or not they are in a fit state to enter their premises, a breath/alcohol reading of twice the drink drive limit or higher could greatly increase the chances of someone being refused entry.

Not everyone will be breathalysed, just those who are suspected of having already had too much to drink.

Acting Inspector Andy Godfrey of York Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “The breathalysers are another tool to help us tackle drink-related disorder and violence. Many people pre-load before going out for the evening and are already heavily intoxicated before they enter a bar.

“Much of the disorder and violence we are called to deal with is triggered by excessive alcohol intake. Being drunk and out of control also makes people more vulnerable. The breathalysers will support door staff in the difficult job of challenging people who they believe have drunk too much.

“So far, the devices have been well received by local licensees and we hope they will have a positive impact on York’s thriving nightlife.”

Nine devices were trialled at various venues over the weekend of 9 January and a further six will be given to licences premises this coming weekend.

Jane Mowat of the Safer York Partnership, which has funded some of the breathalysers, added: “We are delighted to support this initiative which hopefully will not only raise awareness about how much individuals have actually been drinking but also assist in our long term aims to ensure the safety of all those who come to York to enjoy our nightlife.”

The breathalysers are part of a number of initiatives introduced in by North Yorkshire Police in partnership with the City of York Council, the Safer York Partnership, NHS, door staff, members of Pubwatch, Street Angels, British Transport Police and York University, to help keep alcohol fuelled disorder to a minimum.

York police have also introduced new security briefings ahead of each weekend evening. These are attended by door staff, Street Angels and other agencies who help to keep people safe during the night time economy.

Policing patrols are also stepped up during weekend evenings and are boosted by Special Constables who provide additional policing resources voluntarily.

Boat trailer stolen from York

Police investigating the theft of a boat trailer in York are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Stolen boat trailer 1

The trailer was stolen from York Marine Services, on Ferry Lane in Bishopthorpe at sometime overnight between 31 December 2014 and 1 January 2015.

Officers are appealing to anyone who saw any suspicious people or vehicles on Ferry Lane or Askham Lane around the time of the theft to get in touch.

Anyone who can help officers with their enquiries is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 – select option 2 – and ask for PC Lauren McGillivray or York police.

Stolen boat trailer 2

Alternatively, information can be emailed to lauren.mcGillivray@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

If you prefer not to give your name, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference number 12150000480 when passing information about this incident.

New Police and Crime Plan for North Yorkshire

Julia Mulligan has published the refreshed Police and Crime Plan for North Yorkshire. This has followed an extensive consultation with the public, who have identified four priorities for North Yorkshire.

1.      Protect vulnerable people

2.      Cut crime and anti-social behaviour

3.      Focus on prevention and early intervention

4.      Improve victim care

Download a copy of the new Police and Crime Plan from  http://www.northyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk/news/new-police-and-crime-plan-for-north-yorkshire/
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Word on the street is stay safe this Christmas

Staying safe is the word on the street this Christmas as North Yorkshire Police get under the feet of revellers in York and Scarborough.

York stencils

As part of the force’s Take Care at Christmas campaign, safety messages have been stencilled onto the pavements to remind people not to “tipple til you topple”, “see your mates home safe” and a reminder not to drink and drive.

The messages have been stencilled using a high pressure water jet into the pavement dirt at key locations.

York and Scarborough are two of the busiest areas during the Christmas party season and have the highest number of calls for service to North Yorkshire Police as a result of people drinking too much.

The messages are intended to remind people not to put their safety or other peoples’ at risk by drinking so much that they are out of control. And to act as a reminder to anyone contemplating drink driving that the police are on the look out for them.

Chief Inspector Charlotte Bloxham of York Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “The stencils are a great way to get our messages direct to the people we need to target.

“York has a bustling nightlife but it is vital that people know their limits and don’t put themselves or other people at risk by drinking too much.

“I hope the messages strike a chord with party goers and make them think about their own safety, getting home safe and looking after their friends.”

The messages have been stencilled in the following locations:

York

Lendal, George Hudson Street, Tanner Row, Micklegate, Swinegate, Lower Ousegate, Toft Green, Clifford Street, Stonegate, Parliament Square, Cumberland Street

Scarborough

York Place, Falconers Road, Harcourt Place, St Thomas Street, St Nicholas Street

14 arrests in unpaid fines crackdown -man fined for cycling on Front Street footpath

York police have been out in force to round up people with unpaid court fines.

During the operation, officers also arrested a 34-year-old man who was wanted on suspicion of burglary, theft from a motor vehicle and failing to attend court.

Officers also interviewed a 34-year-old man who they stopped on Front Street, Acomb, on suspicion of possessing Class A drugs. He was also given a ticket for cycling on the pavement (!)

A 57-year-old man had his car seized and was reported for summons to court after being stopped driving while disqualified.

On Thursday 4 December 2014, Officers, PCSOs, Special Constables and Court Enforcement Officers, arrested 14 people with outstanding fines and recovered £5,553 which was owed to the courts.

York Magistrates’ Court has issued a number of non-payment of fines warrants which have still to be enforced, many of which carry orders for immediate prison sentences.

Thursday’s operation was the latest in a series of planned days of action to locate people who haven’t paid their fines and put them back before the courts.

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Bogus calls warning in York

Residents are being alerted to a spate of unsolicited and potentially fraudulent telephone calls from someone purporting to be from City of York Council.

The caller, who withholds their number, claims to be from ‘York City Council’. Most calls appear to be from men who say they are aware that someone in the household has been in an accident or has witnessed an accident and that this could give rise to a claim.
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Victims of crime sought for Independent Justice Panel

Julia Mulligan, North Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner and Jonathan Mortimer, the independent Chairman of the Out of Court Disposal Scrutiny Panel, are today asking for victims of crime to come forward to help scrutinise the use of police cautions and other non-court penalties.

PCC logo

The Panel was set up earlier in the year in response to public concern about the use of Out of Court Disposals in North Yorkshire. The Panel has identified that its objectives are to ensure that such penalties are used appropriately, consistently across the county and to make recommendations to North Yorkshire Police.
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CCTV issued after charity collection box stolen

York police are appealing for help to identify a man they would like to speak to in connection with the theft of a charity collection box which was stolen from Candy Hero in Coney Street in York.

CCTV issued after charity collection box stolen

The box and its contents belonged to the charity Special Needs Activities and Play Provision for York (SNAPPY) and was stolen at around 4pm on Sunday 10 August 2014.

Anyone who recognises the man from the CCTV image is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for PC Hayley Rowbotham or email Hayley.rowbotham@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference number 12140135743 when passing on information.

New scheme to keep pubs trouble free in Acomb and the west of York

York police and partner agencies have teamed up with local publicans in the Acomb and west side of the city to help keep licensed premises trouble free.

So far, 17 pubs in the area have signed up to a new Pub Watch scheme which aims to prevent anti-social behaviour and criminal activity in and around licensed premises, helping to create a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for customers.
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