Police set out their stall to prevent crime in Wakefield centre

Officers from Wakefield Police have joined force with Wakefield Council to set up a new market stall opposite Boots in Kirkgate to help provide them with a visible base right in the heart of the cities shopping district.

It will be staffed by police officers and PSCO’s who will be able to offer crime prevention advice and provide a visible fixed presence to deter shoplifters and anti-social behaviour.

The stall will be manned on certain Thursday’s, Friday’s and Saturday’s between April and May.

Aside from providing advice Wakefield officers will also carry out promotions and, at certain times have crime prevention aids, such as purse dipping bells, to give away.

The new stall is just one part of an ongoing campaign by Wakefield Central NPT to reduce shop based crime and anti-social behavior in Wakefield.

Local officers conducted enhanced patrols in the city centre on Thursday to look at issues affecting retailers and are continuing to take a zero tolerance approach to shop lifting.

Stores are being encouraged to report and collate CCTV of any offences taking place and tip each other off about shoplifters seen operating in stores.

Wakefield officers continue to police zones protected from street drinking and asb by Public Space Protection orders and have been regularly confiscating alcohol from street drinkers and deterring anti-social behaviour.

Police also continue to support the Wakefield BID to support and develop the city centre.

Insp Helen Brear of the Wakefield Central NPT, said: “We work very closely with Wakefield Council to deter retail crime in the city centre and are very pleased to have set up this new initiative with them.

“Having a stall right in the heart of the city amongst will provide us with a really visible base from which to speak with residents and shop keepers and carry out crime prevention work, as well as deterring thieves from operating.

She added: “We are continuing with our ongoing work to deter anti-social behaviour and retail crime in the city centre and are very keen to engage with business to help them better protect themselves.

“Officers fully realise that shoplifting can put a terrible strain on retailers and can and I want premises to know that we will not turn a blind eye to this sort of offence.”“I would ask any businesses in the city centre who want to their local officers about crime prevention to contact PCSO Rebecca Norbury at Wakefield Central NPT on [email protected]

“Wakefield also has a dedicated crime prevention officers who can advise businesses how to better protect themselves and can be reached via [email protected] “

Coun Maureen Cummings, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Communities, said: “Whether out in the city for shopping, to work or for leisure, it is important that everyone feels safe. That is why we are supporting this great initiative to help deter crime and anti-social behaviour in our city centre.”