Proactive policing cuts city car crime

CAR CRIME is falling in Leeds city centre and the surrounding areas – according to the latest figures.

During May a total of 35 vehicle crimes were recorded in the City and Holbeck Division which includes Leeds city centre and the Holbeck, Rothwell and Morley areas – a 58 per cent drop compared with 83 recorded offences in April.

The figure is also 43 per cent less than was recorded during May 2009, said West Yorkshire Police.

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Police attribute the fall to more proactive patrols throughout local communities by Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) officers and CID officers in plain clothes throughout May.

The division has also introduced a pilot scheme where scenes of crimes officers are automatically called to attend vehicle crimes across eight local ward areas within the division to ensure officers make the most of any possible forensic opportunities.

Det Insp John Higson, who is responsible for the division's efforts to tackle vehicle crime, said: "Our efforts throughout the division over recent weeks, particularly in the city centre, have had a major impact on reducing the number of offences and will have made many criminals think again about targeting vehicles in the city and south Leeds.

"Vehicle crimes are always treated very seriously and we will use everything at our disposal to continue reducing the number of offences."

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Several offences in recent weeks have involved vehicles that have been left unlocked.

Mr Higson added: "Taking simple precautions such as ensuring your vehicle is properly locked and secure, investing in a steering lock or alarm system, and locking all valuables in the boot can make your vehicle less attractive to criminals and save yourself the grief and financial expense that comes with being a victim.