Retail crime and anti-social behaviour remain a pressing issue for businesses across Wakefield, and Wakefield BID continues to advocate for stronger action and better support for our members.
Earlier this year, Wakefield BID met with Simon Lightwood MP and local businesses to raise concerns directly. We are pleased to share an update from Simon, detailing a number of new initiatives being introduced both locally and nationally to tackle the issue.
West Yorkshire Police are set to receive 100 new police officers and 45 special constables across the region this year, with Wakefield itself seeing a significant increase in police presence. The Government’s “town and city centre blitz” initiative will also bring additional patrols to Wakefield this summer, aiming to deter criminal activity and provide reassurance to businesses and the public.
Simon’s update also highlights a new local strategy to address persistent issues at Wakefield Bus Station, developed in partnership with Arriva and West Yorkshire Police. This includes improved communication between station security and police, helping to create a safer environment for passengers and staff.
On a national level, a number of legislative changes are underway through the Crime and Policing Bill, including:
- A new offence of assaulting a retail worker, giving shop staff greater protection.
- The removal of the £200 threshold for shoplifting offences, ensuring all thefts are treated seriously.
- A £5 million investment into tackling organised shoplifting gangs, already leading to the identification of over 150 prolific offenders.
As your Business Improvement District, we welcome this renewed focus on retail crime and remain committed to working with our partners in policing and government to ensure Wakefield city centre is a safe and secure place to do business.
📎 Download the full letter from Simon Lightwood MP
If you are experiencing retail crime or anti-social behaviour, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us directly at Wakefield BID. We’re here to help.
