Wakefield BID is proud to be playing an active role in a new task force that is already making Wakefield safer – and bucking the national trend when it comes to tackling anti-social behaviour.
The task force, led by Wakefield Council and West Yorkshire Police, was launched earlier this year to tackle crime and disruption in the city centre. The initiative has brought about an increase in enforcement officers, more visible policing, and a collaborative approach with local partners – including Wakefield BID and social housing provider Vico Homes.
A Safer City for Everyone
At Wakefield BID, we’ve been calling for a joined-up approach to tackling anti-social behaviour for some time. Through our own Safer Wakefield programme, we’ve introduced:
- A new digital radio and intelligence-sharing system
- A dedicated Street Ranger to support city centre businesses
- Monthly partnership meetings and direct reporting lines with West Yorkshire Police
- Business engagement to encourage consistent reporting and intelligence sharing
These measures, paired with the work of the task force, are helping to reduce retail crime, increase safety and improve the day-to-day experience of those who live, work, and visit the city.
Thomas Wales, Chief Executive of Wakefield BID, said:
“Wakefield should be a place where people feel safe to shop, work and enjoy their day. With this task force and stronger partnerships in place, we’re making real progress – and our businesses are feeling the difference.”
Tackling Issues Where They Arise
The task force has also delivered targeted action around known hotspots, including Marsh Way House, which provides accommodation for people experiencing homelessness. By working with Riverside Group and other partners, security on site and in the surrounding area has been strengthened – with early signs of improvement.
This kind of joined-up, preventative work shows what’s possible when housing providers, businesses, and frontline services come together to resolve complex issues.
Looking Ahead
There are also plans to review and expand Wakefield’s existing Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) – which is currently in place until 2026 – to give enforcement teams greater powers to tackle aggressive begging, substance misuse, and group-related ASB.
Wakefield BID is actively feeding into this process and will keep our members informed on how these changes may affect them.
