'Crime has no place in our city' How communities are fighting back against gangs
Resilient communities across Leeds are fighting back in the war against organised crime with the hard-hitting message - crime has no place on our streets.
West Yorkshire Police joined with local government, community group leaders and partners at CATCH, in Harehills, to discuss the impact organised crime has on the area.
And Alison Lowe, deputy mayor for policing and crime, stressed the role communities play in building resilience against crime.
Attendees heard from Ash Razzaq, founder of CATCH in Harehills, who spoke passionately about the importance of youth outreach and preventative work.
The organisation has been instrumental in providing safe spaces and support for young people vulnerable to criminal exploitation.
Detective Superintendent Marie Bulmer, the Force’s Head of Serious and Organised Crime, said: “The conference was a great opportunity to bring together Force representatives, community representatives, and key partner agencies to discuss the emerging trends and threats of organised crime and the way in which partnership working is being used to tackle those threats.
“We’re not just reacting to crime, we’re reshaping the landscape.
“By working together, we’re building a future where organised crime has no place in our communities.
“We are committed to partnership working, intelligence sharing, and community-led solutions and, while there are challenges ahead, it’s good to know that there is a shared determination for this partnership approach to continue.”