Tackling knife crime and ASB top policing priorities for West Yorkshire communities

These are among the top priorities being raised by people who have responded to a short online survey being run to ensure everyone has a chance to have their say on a new police and crime plan.

More than 60 per cent of people who have answered the online survey so far feel that tackling knife crime is important to them, while three quarters of respondents highlighted addressing anti-social behaviour as an area they would like to see a focus on.

It comes as the Prime Minister announced a new coalition to tackle knife crime nationally and stop young people being dragged into violent gangs.

Ms Brabin said: “We are creating a safer, fairer region and it is important that the people of West Yorkshire get the chance to have their say on that.

“That is why we are consulting with the public as we create a new police and crime plan – by holding in-person events and also through our short online survey.”

The mayor also wants to hear from professionals and organisations working with victims and perpetrators of crime as well as any group that has an interest in community safety issues.

The new plan will build on the projects carried out during the mayor’s first term, such as continuing pioneering work on eradicating violence against women and girls, alongside working with the new government to reinvigorate neighbourhood policing, bringing together local criminal justice partners and introducing vital new services for young people so they feel seen and heard.

It will also look to include a spotlight on serious violence following the mayor’s pledge to deliver a dedicated strategy co-produced with West Yorkshire communities.

A call for evidence on serious violence is running alongside the consultation and the results will feed directly into the new police and crime plan, which will set the mayor’s priorities and the direction of West Yorkshire Police over the next four years.