WEST Yorkshire Police is set to meet targets to cut crime – but the burglary toll is rising.
The force is set to hit targets in relation to reducing key priority crimes such as violent crime, vehicle crime and criminal damage.
The bad news is that burglaries are rising, but several operations are under way countywide to catch the thieves.
There were 17,767 fewer victims of crime between April and December last year when compared with same period the previous year – a drop of 9.4 %.
Latest figures also show:
l 3,714 fewer violent crimes – a 9.8% drop
l Vehicle crime down by 15.3% – 3,865 fewer crimes
l Criminal damage down by 13.8% – 6,167 fewer crimes
Operation Maximum Impact was launched a week ago to crack down on criminals across the region. Police in West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and Humberside are working together this month for a series of co-ordinated operations.
West Yorkshire Deputy Chief Constable Julia Hodson said: “We are delighted that crime is falling overall, but house burglary remains a concern. We are targeting known burglars and focusing on the problem through initiatives like the Maximum Impact four force campaign running through February.
“Officers out on the ground this week have reported a lot of people leave their homes insecure. Though the nights are getting lighter, it's important to lock your doors.’’
She added: “I know crime continues to concern people and the latest reductions will hopefully help to allay those concerns.
“We have also found that people have more confidence in areas where we have a well-established Neighbourhood Policing Team getting to the root of local problems. That is where we are directing our efforts and by next month will have re-shaped NPTs to better serve people at an even more local level.”
Ann Liston, chairman of the Authority's Strategic Planning and Performance Committee, said "With the exception of burglary, the force is on track to achieve the crime reduction targets set by the Authority as part of last year's Policing Plan.’’
But the report showed that a number of the public confidence and satisfaction targets were unlikely to be met and the Authority wants to know what the force aims to do to improve these aspects of performance.
