'We want people to feel safe': Police step up presence in Leeds in run up to Christmas

Officers and neighbourhood policing teams are increasing high visibility operations over the winter months to target repeat offenders, help keep businesses safe and provide a reassuring presence in our towns and city centres.

Over the first ten days of December they have already clocked up over 2,000 hours of patrols in shopping areas across West Yorkshire as well as 1,300 hours of patrols at night to reduce intimidating and anti-social behaviour as revellers celebrate Christmas.

There have also been more than 1,300 hours of operations across the county targeting the anti-social use of vehicles including e-bikes and scooters.

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Assistant Chief Constable Damien Miller, West Yorkshire Police lead for Local Policing and Safeguarding, said: “We want people to feel safe in our towns and city centres this festive season and will not tolerate criminality blighting our communities.

“With more neighbourhood policing officers on patrol across West Yorkshire, we want to provide a visible, reassuring presence for our communities.

“Our officers are out looking for known suspects both in town centres and on the road network, and I would encourage anyone who sees or has information about such offending to contact us so we can take action.”