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Last week, here at Leeds North East NPT we carried out several operations as part of Safer Business Action Week. This week of action is part of the wider ‘Tackling Retail Crime Together’ strategy, launched by the Minister of State for Policing and Crime Prevention, and aims to address the growing concerns around retail crime, anti-social behaviour, and offences affecting businesses.
Throughout the week our PCSO’s visited businesses within their ward areas, spoke to staff and gave tailored crime prevention advice. We have also had the police engagement van out and about speaking to members of the public regarding their concerns.
Across the North East Leeds area have also carried out a number of high visibility patrols to deter criminals and we have also carried out some plain clothed operations to catch offenders.
Team 1 made three arrests in relation to retail for offences with goods totalling over £1000, all 3 of whom were out committing crime at the time of their arrests and were intercepted by local neighbourhood officers in a mixture of uniform and plain clothes. All 3 of the individuals have been remanded into custody awaiting future court dates.
Team 2 carried out a number of stop and searches, with one offender given a community resolution order, due this being a first offence. Another offender was arrested for a theft from shop offence which is currently under investigation. The team led by Sergeant Pervin also progressed some outstanding investigations into theft from shop offences, identifying three suspects. Following further investigation, one of individuals has been arrested and charged, awaiting court at a later date. Arrest enquiries are ongoing for the other suspects.
Team 3 have carried out arrest enquiries this week for a prolific shoplifter wanted with a number of outstanding warrants. We are glad to report he has been located and arrested, pending further court dates. On Thursday night they were out patrolling outside the Co-Op on Oakwood Lane when staff notified them that there was a shoplifter inside. Upon entering the store, of our PCSO’s was assaulted by the male in question before he fled the store. Both PCSO’s gave a lengthy on foot chase whilst calling for support from the rest of the team. Once stopped, and his details confirmed our system confirmed this male already had two outstanding warrants, both for theft from shop offences. As a result, he was brought into custody to face court for the outstanding matters the following day. The team have also been working on the Shopwatch scheme which has recently launched in Roundhay.
Over in Wetherby the Neighbourhood Team have been in the town and villages visiting local businesses with our crime prevention officer, Nicco. Whilst visiting and engaging, they have also been encouraging businesses to sign up to Business Watch. The team have also been carrying out a number of stop and searches whilst gathering intelligence on potential offenders. In line with one of our local priorities, high visibility patrols have also been carried out at Thorp Arch Trading Estate after closing times to reduce and deter the business burglaries on the estate.
T/Inspector Harper, North East Leeds Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:
“Reducing retail crime has been one of the key focuses for our teams in recent months. We are keen to do all we can to protect local businesses but also help them protect themselves from crime."
“This week has showcased some of the excellent work our team have been carrying out in our local communities. The aim of our work is to continue to make North East Leeds a safe place to live, work or visit.”
If you have concerns about crime in your area, you can report it via 101, 999 in an emergency or by visiting our website: at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/reportit
We also have a new function on our website which allows you to contact the Leeds North East team directly: https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/.../leeds.../contacts
Information can always be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
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