Birstall

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

There has been an increase in reports of shoplifting across Birstall, particularly affecting local retail premises. In response, neighbourhood officers have been working closely with businesses and partner agencies to identify offenders, gather intelligence, and implement measures aimed at reducing retail crime.
A Problem Management Plan (PMP) has been established with the Co-op and other local retailers to address the ongoing issues. 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.
Engagement with local businesses remains ongoing, with officers maintaining regular contact to discuss concerns, share crime prevention advice, and encourage the prompt reporting of incidents. Beat surgeries continue to take place across the ward, providing opportunities for businesses and residents to raise concerns directly with officers and discuss local priorities.
This work will continue through sustained patrol activity, partnership working, offender management, and the ongoing PMP with the Co-op and other retailers, with the aim of reducing shoplifting, improving business confidence, and making Birstall a safer place to live, work, and visit.

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

Reports of youth‑related anti‑social behaviour have been received within Birstall, including criminal damage and disruption to local establishments. Several youths have been identified as perpetrators of ASB and associated crime, and police are dealing with these individuals proactively through ongoing enforcement, engagement and monitoring.
A known serial perpetrator has recently been arrested in connection with offences in the area. Officers are working with partner agencies to implement measures to keep him away from the Birstall area in order to prevent further issues and reduce the risk of continued offending.
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 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 also assisted in moving a prolific perpertrator out of county which has reduced offending.

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

We have seen an increase in reports of theft from motor vehicles within Birstall. In response, 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 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.