New partnership to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour launched in Leeds city centre

A new scheme has been launched to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in Leeds city centre.

The Leeds Business Crime Reduction Partnership (LeedsBCRP) is a new member-based business partnership aimed at reducing crime and improving how safe people feel.

LeedsBCRP will work with hundreds of businesses from both daytime and night-time economies to improve intelligence and help police and the council take swifter action.

It will provide a live radio network and intelligence portal, where crime and anti-social behaviour can be reported quickly.

LeedsBCRP members will get a new radio and access to the Disc intelligence reporting and sharing app, along with training and advice.

Karen Butler, Director of Place, Engagement & Safety at LeedsBID, said: “At LeedsBID, our primary objective is to bring improvement to the city centre. We do this by bringing new activities and services. Key to this is getting the basics right - an environment that is clean, and feels safe and welcoming to be in.

“Over 80% of BIDs across the country deliver BCRPs. Until now, that hasn’t been the case in Leeds. The aim with LeedsBCRP is to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour as a partnership, collaborating across the city. This will involve the city’s businesses, police, council and ourselves.

“We have listened to the concerns of businesses and visitors, which is why this new business crime reduction partnership has been shaped. Alongside our partners, West Yorkshire Police and Leeds City Council, we will further enlist businesses to grow this network and deliver results.

“Our aim is for timely, accurate intelligence that can be acted upon. That will bring results, justice and, over time, act as a deterrent to would-be criminals.”

LeedsBID has launched the scheme after commissioning independent research.

It highlighted the need for improved safety in the city via more direct action on crime and anti-social behaviour, as well as greater engagement and communication on outcomes of investigations to increase confidence in reporting.

Feedback from businesses ranged from a perceived lack of enforcement and consequences for offenders, to the direct impact on staff and customers.

Superintendent Matt Scott, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “Partnership really is the key word. Policing a large, complex city is never straightforward, and the drivers of crime and anti‑social behaviour are often complex as well. No single organisation can solve those issues on its own.

“If we want to reduce offending and, just as importantly, improve how safe the city feels, that must be done collaboratively.

“LeedsBCRP provides a vital platform for that – bringing together businesses, local authorities and policing to share information, identify patterns and risks early, embed best practice and coordinate our response.

“For the city, that means a more consistent, joined‑up approach to problems like business crime, night‑time economy issues and anti‑social behaviour – issues that directly affect confidence, footfall and economic vitality. For businesses, it offers a clear voice and a structured way to influence priorities and solutions.”

LeedsBID has invested in new network infrastructure, which is already in place, and the rollout of new radios and signing-up process is well underway, with business training sessions organised for this summer.

The new radios have been provided by M.R.S. Communications and will enable instant communication between key partners.

The security manager at Trinity Leeds, David Coley, said: "The BCRP radio network provides an invaluable link between Trinity Leeds, LeedsWatch and our city centre partners, enabling faster information sharing, improved incident response and stronger collaboration to help keep Leeds safe and welcoming for everyone.

“We would encourage businesses across the city to get involved and make the most of the benefits the network offers."

Chris Impett, from Pubwatch Leeds City Centre, added: "A radio network connecting all of the licensed premises in the city centre is essential in keeping communication on busy nights. What LeedsBID and the BCRP are doing is massively levelling up the quality of these radios and we look forward to being able to communicate better.

"The DISC crime portal further compliments this. This massively supports Leeds' night-time economy. Increased knowledge and communication can only lead to better run venues, better informed security and safer customers, making the nightlife a more enjoyable part of Leeds' culture.”

LeedsBID has made two new appointments to help run the partnership - Tris Margison, LeedsBCRP manager, who will act as a direct point of contact for the businesses, and Russ Pell, LeedsBCRP co-ordinator.

Businesses who sign up to the scheme will contribute towards a service annually.

For more information, businesses can reach out via telephone on 0113 4672780 or email [email protected]