Councillors have welcomed recent figures showing the impact of targeted work to reduce burglaries in two South Leeds communities.
A multi-agency approach is being used by Safer Leeds in the Middleton and Belle Isle areas of the city. This area has seen 54 fewer offences (56% reduction) from April-August this year compared to the same period in 2012.
Safer Leeds have worked with local ward members on a number of burglary reduction initiatives in the area. These include working closely with the local area committee and Housing Leeds (previously Aire Valley Homes Leeds), who have upgraded door locks for 470 homes in the Middleton area as part of their programme to tackle burglary. The local police Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) has also being encouraging residents to sign up and register their property.
A new multi-agency prevention programme has also been established to identify and work with individuals who could potentially become involved in burglary and other forms of crime, along with a pilot project in Middleton primary schools which educates youngsters about security at home and encourages them to take the message home to their parents.
Councillor Peter Gruen, Chair of Safer Leeds said:
“We are determined at Safer Leeds to use all of the avenues available to us to reduce burglaries across the city, and I am pleased that this targeted work in Middleton and Belle Isle over this period has achieved positive results.
“When it comes to tackling burglary however, there can never be any room for complacency given the devastating impact it can have on its victims, and we will be doing everything possible to drive down offences further in both these areas and across Leeds in the future.”
Councillor Kim Groves (Labour, Middleton Park) said:
“I am delighted that the hard work of Safer Leeds, ward members, the Council and our partners have had such an impact on burglary in the ward. Really sensible, practical measures, such as installing more secure locks and encouraging people to register their property, make such a big difference.
“Making sure your home is lit up, locked up and secure are vitally important and simple measures that can be taken to deter burglars, and we would urge residents to take these steps at all times.”
“We are committed to continuing to reduce the number of burglaries in our ward.”
