Police and local authorities have secured £300,000 from the Home Office to tackle vehicle crime along the M62 corridor.

West Yorkshire Police has teamed up with Kirklees, Calderdale and Wakefield councils to continue the drive against car crime.

The partnership has received a total of £306,317 from the Safer Streets Fund. The money will be used to reduce the opportunity for motor vehicle crime by improving street lighting and installing and utilising CCTV and ANPR cameras.

The funding will also be used for increased engagement and education around vehicle safety throughout the region as well as engaging with scrap metal dealers.

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The bid had been submitted by the former Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire, Mark Burns-Williamson, whose responsibilities have now transferred to Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin, pictured above with policing minister Kit Malthouse.

Ms Brabin said: “I’m really pleased that this partnership funding has been secured for West Yorkshire. I’m excited to see the project progress and deliver lasting positive change to prevent crime.”

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Chief Constable John Robins QPM said: “This money will help further progress the work already underway to tackle vehicle crime across the county.

“We have been really keen to focus on prevention and deterrence by putting in measures to create a more difficult environment for criminals to operate in.

“The more we can do that, the fewer victims of crime there will be. Measures such as improved street lighting and CCTV not only impact on crime, but also create a greater sense of safety in our communities.”

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Clr Carole Pattison, Kirklees Council’s Cabinet member for learning, aspiration and communities, said: “This funding will further enhance the work we are doing here in Kirkees to prevent crime and specifically motor vehicle crime.

“I want all residents – and anyone who visits Kirklees – to feel safe and be safe. This funding will help significantly towards achieving that.”

Ms Brabin said the next round of Safer Streets funding had opened with a primary focus on helping make women and girls feel safer on the streets.

“This absolutely aligns to one of my core pledges, to put women and girls at the heart of my policing plan, so I will now be working with partners to put forward a strong case for further funding in our region.”