Communities have told Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin that anti-social behaviour and knife crime are their policing priorities.

As many as three quarters of people who responded to the mayor’s new Police and Crime Plan survey said anti-social behaviour was a major issue while 60% highlighted knife crime.

Mayor Brabin said: “We are creating a safer, fairer region and it is important that the people of West Yorkshire get the chance to have their say on that.

“That is why we are consulting with the public as we create a new Police and Crime Plan – by holding in-person events and also through our short online survey.

“I would like to thank all of you who have already had your say and urge others to do so before the end of October.”

In addition to the survey, members of the public can also share their views via email, phone or in person. Views can also be shared on social media using the hashtag #TellTracy.

The mayor also wants to hear from professionals and organisations working with victims and perpetrators of crime as well as any group that has an interest in community safety issues. They can share their thoughts by completing a version of the online survey for partners.

The new plan will build on the projects carried out during the mayor’s first term such as continuing pioneering work on eradicating violence against women and girls, alongside working with the new government to reinvigorate neighbourhood policing, bringing together local criminal justice partners and introducing vital new services for young people so they feel seen and heard.

It will also look to include a spotlight on serious violence following the mayor’s pledge to deliver a dedicated strategy co-produced with West Yorkshire communities.

A call for evidence on serious violence is running alongside the consultation and the results will feed directly into the new Police and Crime Plan, which will set the mayor’s priorities and the direction of West Yorkshire Police over the next four years.

To complete the public survey, before the consultation’s closing date on October 31, visit https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/PoliceandCrimePlanConsultation2024-2028/ 

To complete the partner survey, visit https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/PartnerSurvey2024-2028/