Leeds crime fall figures welcomed

12.00.00am GMT Tue 8th Apr 2008

Cllr Richard Brett has welcomed figures that show crime in Leeds has fallen during the Liberal Democrat/Conservative administration.

These figures are published within the Safer Leeds Partnership Plan, which will be discussed by Leeds City Council's Executive Board next week.

Crime in Leeds has fallen by one third since 2003, including a 19% reduction in violent city centre crime during this administration. Substance misuse prevention strategies have also been fruitful, with over 4000 people having enrolled on the Drug Intervention Programme.

The plan also sets out priorities for combating crime in Leeds over the next three years. These include reducing the harm from substance abuse; reducing victimisation and supporting victims; reducing offending and managing offensive behaviour; and improving community confidence and public satisfaction.

Councillor Richard Brett (Lib Dem, Burmantofts and Richmond Hill), Deputy Leader of Council, said:

"I am very pleased that the figures show crime in Leeds is going down, particularly violent crime.

"We are committed to making Leeds a safer place to live and ensuring that people feel safer in their communities. The success of the partnership so far has been very encouraging and we have high hopes for the future.

"The idea behind Safer Leeds is that it is only by focusing on specific offenders, victims and locations in a collaborative manner that we can have a significant impact on reducing overall crime."