Dedicated policing unit is launched to help vulnerable

The Leeds Safeguarding Unit is made up of 30 detectives and support staff who are dedicated to investigating offences involving vulnerable people.

It will specialise in domestic violence investigations, financial abuse and other offences against people who are deemed vulnerable, enquiries involving care homes or supported living accommodation, and reports of forced marriages or “honour-based” violence.

Staff will also offer their assistance and expertise to officers leading missing people enquiries, and will work with various agencies to safeguard children at risk of abuse or neglect.

West Yorkshire Police says the unit will provide vulnerable people across the city with a “first-class service” from themselves and Safer Leeds.

Detective Chief Inspector Julie Sykes, who will lead the team, said: “The new Safeguarding Unit will ensure that vulnerable people in Leeds will always receive a first-class service from dedicated detectives with expertise in the issues affecting them, should they ever need to call us.

“Safeguarding vulnerable adults and children remains not just a priority for West Yorkshire Police and Safer Leeds, but also for the many partner agencies based in the district who we work with every day. This new unit demonstrates our clear commitment to working together to ensure vulnerable people in our communities receive all the help they need.”

The officers and staff are all part of West Yorkshire Police and will be based at Millgarth Police Station in Leeds city centre.

They will be in daily contact with officers based in the three Leeds policing divisions of City and Holbeck, North West Leeds and North East Leeds, to ensure they are involved in all investigations requiring their expertise.

As well as investigating offences involving vulnerable people, the Leeds Safeguarding Unit is also able to offer expert investigative support to officers and partner agencies dealing with anti-social behaviour issues affecting vulnerable people.

To contact the Leeds Safeguarding Unit, call 0113 2414180 or 0845 6060606. In an emergency, always ring 999.