‘We’re watching you’ is the message York police are sending out to suspects in the west side of the city.
York Safer Neighbourhood Team will launch Operation Shadow this Saturday (1 May) which will directly target suspects in the Acomb, Holgate and Westfield areas who cause misery for local residents.
People suspected of anti-social behaviour, car crime and burglary will be monitored by police on a daily basis. A letter outlining the police’s suspicions will be sent to them or their parents advising that the police will monitor their daily activities which will include visits to their home and overt and covert surveillance.
Inspector Colin Moreton of York Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “This initiative is a direct response to local residents’ concerns about crime in their area. We regularly ask our local communities what their three main concerns are in their particular neighbourhood, and these crimes were identified as priorities in the three wards.
“The operation has two aims, one is to suppress criminal activity and bring the offenders to justice, the other is to divert those individuals away from crime by offering support and guidance on how to get help to reduce their offending.
“Both these approaches will ultimately help to prevent re-offending and reduce the number of crimes.
“York is a great place to live, work and visit but a small minority continue to make life a misery for local people. This sends a warning to them that their behaviour will not be tolerated and to give up now, get help or face the consequences of their criminal activity.
Members of the public can help by taking basic crime prevention measures, ensure they keep valuables out of view and lock their cars, sheds and homes.
If anyone has any information which could help the police, please contact York Police on 0845 60 60 247 or give information anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
