Residents of Wood Lane in Leeds are complaining about high burglary rates and a lack of response from the police. An investigation by Channel 4’s Dispatches found that over the past three years, 56 burglaries had taken place in the area, none of which have been solved. West Yorkshire Police said that its burglary detection rates are in line with those of other parts of the country and that some offences are unsolved due to a lack of evidence.
According to locals, the area’s layout may make it attractive to burglars looking for a quick escape, as it is encircled by snickets, alleyways, and side roads. However, this does not excuse the lack of police presence. Steve Sutton, who has lived on Wood Lane for 18 years, says that he has never seen the police patrolling the area.
The local councilor for the area, Stewart Golton, says that the community is frustrated with the lack of police response. With crime rates rising, it is essential that the police are visible to prevent burglaries and other forms of criminal activity.
West Yorkshire Police recognizes the severity of burglaries and said that it has made significant investments in reducing such incidents. It added that although some burglaries remain unsolved, its detection rates are relatively in line with other police forces in England and Wales.
This lack of response could also be linked to wider issues surrounding neighborhood policing. While Rothwell has some officers who work specifically within its community to provide a familiar presence for people, it does not have a set number of allocated officers and is part of a larger Neighbourhood Policing Team
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