Shoppers and businesses in Wakefield will benefit from increased police patrols this summer, as the city joins more than 500 areas across the UK in the government’s Safer Streets scheme.
The targeted crackdown on anti-social behaviour and retail crime will see extra officer patrols in Wakefield city centre during peak hours over the coming weeks, alongside stronger enforcement and preventative action from police, Wakefield Council, and local partners.
The initiative forms part of a wider drive to deliver safer, more vibrant high streets, supported by a £200 million investment and a pledge to introduce 13,000 additional neighbourhood police personnel during this Parliament.
In Wakefield, the number of officers and PCSOs in the city centre is set to double this year, alongside plans to review Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to tackle issues like substance misuse, aggressive begging, and anti-social gatherings.
Recent statistics reveal that shoplifting across West Yorkshire surged to more than 22,000 incidents last year, prompting calls for tougher, more coordinated responses.
Thomas Wales, Chief Executive of Wakefield BID, welcomed the move and praised the joined-up approach:
“This announcement is hugely welcome and shows real commitment to making our city centre safer. We’ve been working closely with West Yorkshire Police and Wakefield Council through our Safer Wakefield initiative to improve safety for businesses and visitors alike, so to see additional officers and resources coming into Wakefield is a major step forward. This kind of collaboration and investment gives us the platform to rebuild confidence, reduce crime, and make Wakefield a place people are proud to visit, work and trade in.”
The plans also include measures to support young people with positive summer activities, helping to prevent crime before it starts.
Wakefield MP Simon Lightwood added:
“This summer blitz to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in towns and cities like Wakefield will make a real difference to residents and businesses. We all deserve town centres and high streets free from thugs and thieves.”
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:
“Residents and businesses have the right to feel safe in their towns and cities. That’s why I’ve called on police forces and councils to work together to deliver a summer blitz on crime—to send a clear message that this behaviour will no longer be tolerated.”
