One million pounds in additional funding is set to be allocated to West Yorkshire to reduce crime and enhancing safety. This funding will be utilised for various projects over the next year and a half, focusing on addressing anti-social behaviour, violence against women and girls (VAWG), and neighbourhood crime.
The funds have been secured from the Safer Streets Fund, administered by the Home Office, following a successful proposal put forth by the Mayor of West Yorkshire, in collaboration with West Yorkshire Police, Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, and Wakefield Councils.
The projects encompass initiatives like bystander training to enhance the safety of women and girls, designated action days, and the implementation of new technology to combat anti-social behaviour, including addressing the improper use of off-road bikes. Additionally, there will be an augmentation of CCTV coverage and measures to strengthen security.
Tracy Brabin, the Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “We’re working together to create a safer, fairer region.
“This investment supports a range of projects that will make a real difference in our communities.
“This includes public priorities such as the safety of women and girls, tackling anti-social behaviour and neighbourhood crime.”
T/Assistant Chief Constable Ed Chesters of West Yorkshire Police, said: “This significant injection of funding will benefit a wide range of projects intended to make our streets and communities safer.
“Reducing violence against women and girls in particular, continues to be one of our joint key commitments with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, so it is welcome to see funding targeted at several initiatives intended to continue this very important work.
“It is also welcome that investment is being provided for neighbourhood crime prevention, including a targeted forensic and property marking campaign across the Force, as well as in delivering outreach programmes for young people.
“At a time when financing for such groups remains tight, we wholeheartedly support initiatives which deliver diversionary activities for young people and provide them with new opportunities and challenges.”
