Servo begin free nightly patrols in west Leeds after rise in attempted break-ins

Leeds-based Servo Group has begun providing free nightly patrols after a surge in attempted break-ins in its locale.
The move follows a rise in attempted break-ins.The move follows a rise in attempted break-ins.
The move follows a rise in attempted break-ins.

An upsurge in attempted break-ins in West Leeds has led to Servo adding parts of Wortley to its nightly security patrols, free of charge, and its urging local residents to be on their guard in response to a recent crime spate.

The move comes after an increase in attempted break-ins on homes and cars in the area – local residents are concerned after reports of a criminal gang trying doors and vehicle and a number of thefts including equipment from nearby Christchurch Primary School.

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The firm said it is spreading the word so that local residents know that its vans will be driving around the area through the night as a safety measure. It has also warned residents to take extra precautions with their homes and vehicles for the next few weeks.

Glen Crosthwaite from Servo said: “We’ve been made aware that there is a group in the area, who are trying to get into vehicles and gain access to homes on the Saxted estate and surrounding streets. We want to urge people to take extra care – don’t leave possessions on show in cars, use security lights at night where possible and keep an eye out for each other. We’ve stepped up our patrols in the area to combat the problem so if people see a Servo van driving around through the night, be aware that it’s part of a security patrol.”

Multi-service provider, Servo, provides manned security, CCTV and security patrols to a wide range of clients throughout Leeds and the UK. It secures over 100 sites and premises in Leeds alone, has around 1000 operatives working nationwide, and boasts high-profile clients such as Network Rail, GMI, NHS and Caddick.

The patrols in Wortley are one of many initiatives that Servo has taken to keep local communities safe – last year it offered free security provision to New Farnley Cricket Club following an arson attack that caused over £100,000 worth of damage.

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Although burglaries and vehicle crime in Leeds were down by as much as 20 per cent at the start of the last lockdown, rates started to rise again at the beginning of last year, and Farnley and Wortley has a burglary rate of 212 crimes per 1000 people – above the national average.

Glen Crosthwaite went on to say: “As burglary rates start to rise again, Servo want to do our bit to improve safety in our local communities. We know the residents of this area are concerned about these attempted break-ins at a time that’s worrying enough for everyone already. It’s especially important to be vigilant though if you live in Wortley, take every available security measure on houses and vehicles and look out for your neighbours.”

The security patrols will be taking place around the area a few times each night for the next few weeks, always in a branded Servo van.