City to host crime summit amid fears over impact of police cuts

The community event, which is believed to be the first in Yorkshire, will address a feared rise in crime levels across the city following the announcement earlier this year that North Yorkshire Police could be forced to lay off over 500 officers and staff in a bid to save between £9m and £11m in the next two years.

Coun Sandy Fraser, cabinet member for crime and community safety at York Council, said: “The coalition Government’s cuts to policing is clearly a matter of concern and makes it all the more important that we tailor the service provided by the police to the priorities and needs of local communities. We are obviously concerned over the major cuts to front-line policing and obviously we have to make the most use of the resources that the police will then have and respond to the concerns of the public.

“The police predicted that given the economic recession and rules of the Government there will be a possible increase in levels of crime, but again that really tells us to prioritise the police’s resources to try and keep crime to the absolute minimum.”

Yesterday North Yorkshire Police revealed it was the top performing force in the country, despite undergoing a “major programme of change” in response to the cuts.

The major restructuring of the force has included slashing its Basic Command Units from three to just one, centralising the Force Control Room in York and introducing a new shift system for officers and staff.

Following a spike in crime at the start of the year, latest figures show that overall crime is down by nine per cent in the region compared to the same period last year.

The summit, which is being planned for next spring, will provide an opportunity for residents to speak out over crime issues that blight their community.

Cabinet members at York Council are expected to approve plans to host the event next week.

Coun Fraser said: “The summit will highlight the work that is already being done between York Council and North Yorkshire Police to try and reduce the level of crime in the city. It’s also to provide an opportunity for local residents, businesses and other interested parties to say what their priorities are as far as the policing of the city is concerned.

“We are still working on what sort of shape the event should take. However, there will certainly be an opportunity for people to express their views on how best to combat crime and how to minimise levels of crime in York.”

Coun Fraser said that while York’s crime levels were currently relatively low, anti-social behaviour was a major problem in the city.

“The most prevalent issue is low level crime. Anti-social behaviour is the most conduct both on the city council and with the police. There are frequent complaints about graffiti, littering and general anti-social behaviour in various parts of the city,” he said.

If councillors agree to push forward with the event, it will replace a community safety market that has been held in the city centre for the past two years.

“We are thinking about replacing it with the crime summit so there is more opportunity for York residents to attend. With York being the city it is, the previous event has mainly attracted visitors. There will be more focus on residents and businesses in the city so they can take the opportunity to express their views on policing priorities for the coming year.”

Continuing its crackdown on crime, York Council is planning to raise awareness of an annual scheme where local groups can bid for funding to help reduce the number of burglaries and thefts within the city. The Target Hardening Fund makes awards each year, with applications considered by Safer York Partnership or local councillors. The authority is currently reviewing always in which to promote the scheme in the city.