Vandalism, arson, graffiti – York councillor calls on police chief to tackle ‘escalating’ trouble
Residents need more police protection from the anti-social behaviour that is escalating in one part of York.
That’s the message from Cllr Andrew Hollyer after repeated trouble in his Haxby and Wigginton ward.
He has written to North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe urging her to commit more resources to the area to curb the problems.
In his letter, he says: “When we met in July this year I was assured that efforts would be made to increase visibility of the police presence and that a more targeted approach would be developed to address residents’ concerns.
“However this does not seem to have yet borne fruit. Only last night (28 September) there was yet another, serious incident, including a deliberate fire being started, which could have easily spread to a skip full of wood and card and risked taking a solicitors’ offices with it.
“Evidence of the anti-social behaviour experienced by residents is all around Haxby village today, from graffiti at the bus stops, to plastic boxes thrown in hedges, damaged fencing and hitching rails and smashed slates and glass.
“Every local business has a story of how they have been impacted by the escalating ASB and it is damaging trust in the safety of Haxby village.”
Cllr Hollyer said he appreciates the work of police officers and PCSOs, and understands “the difficult position they are in trying catch those responsible.”
But he says “further action needs to be taken urgently to resolve this issue, provide a more visible presence and reassure residents before it gets further out of hand.”
He wants an urgent meeting, to agree a plan “to resolve the issues being experienced and restore trust in local policing”.
And he added: “May I also take the opportunity to point out the error in downgrading Huntington fire station, who were quick to respond last night and deal with the fire.
“A delay such as proposed following the downgrade could have seen a far worse outcome.”
We have contacted the office of the police commissioner, and will report their response when they come back to us.