Birstall

There has been an increase in reports of shoplifting across the ward.

There has been a noticeable decrease in reports of shoplifting across Birstall, particularly affecting local retail premises as a result of neighbourhood officers working closely with businesses and partner agencies to identify offenders, gather intelligence, and implement measures aimed at reducing retail crime.

Ongoing engagement will continue with the Co-op and other local retailers to maintain vigilance of previous issues and concerns and exercise appropriate restorative options in tandem. This work includes reviewing crime prevention opportunities, improving reporting processes, identifying repeat offenders, and enhancing communication between businesses and the police. Officers have provided tailored crime prevention advice and supported stores in reviewing security measures, including CCTV coverage, staff awareness, and evidence-gathering procedures.

Targeted high-visibility patrols have been deployed at peak offending times and in locations most affected by shoplifting. These patrols provide reassurance to staff and customers whilst acting as a deterrent to offenders. Patrol activity is informed by crime pattern analysis and intelligence received from retailers and the wider community. Officers are actively pursuing identified offenders through intelligence-led policing, utilising CCTV opportunities, witness accounts, and partnership information to support investigations.

Where appropriate, repeat offenders are being targeted through enforcement activity and offender management processes. Beat surgeries will continue to take place across the ward, providing opportunities for businesses and residents to raise concerns directly with officers and discuss local priorities.

Reports of youth-related ASB within Birstall. This includes criminal damage and disruption to establishments in Birstall.

In response to the wider concerns, targeted high‑visibility patrols have been conducted during peak times, alongside engagement with local businesses and young people involved. Intelligence has been reviewed to identify repeat locations and individuals, with CCTV examined where available. Partnership working has taken place with the local authority and youth services to support early intervention and longer‑term problem solving.

Beat surgeries and Foot Patrols are also taking place in affected areas to provide opportunities for the public to raise concerns directly with officers and discuss ongoing issues.

This work will continue through sustained patrols, ongoing engagement and monitoring, with escalation through appropriate ASB powers where thresholds are met. Further partnership activity and community reassurance will remain in place to reduce repeat incidents and manage ongoing concerns.

We have received reports of vehicles being broken into across the ward.

We have seen a noticeable decrease in reports of theft from motor vehicles within Birstall. Targeted patrols have been conducted in identified hotspot areas, particularly during peak offending times. Officers have reviewed incident data to identify patterns, with CCTV and forensic opportunities were explored where available.

Engagement has taken place with affected residents to provide crime prevention advice, including securing vehicles and removing valuables. Beat surgeries are being held locally to allow members of the public to raise concerns directly with officers and discuss ongoing issues and preventative measures.

This activity will continue through intelligence‑led tasking, continued patrols and community engagement, alongside partnership working where appropriate, to reduce further offending and provide reassurance.