Crime in Leek South, Staffordshire Moorlands

Partnership day of action in September whereby a number of key partners conducted visits to locations where rough sleepers are present. Relevant support offered to the homeless community. Where individuals are highlighted as being involved in anti-social behaviour and criminality, police have issued Community Protection Warnings and Notices and taken positive action by way of arrests and use of Criminal Behaviour Orders. Police will continue to support lead agencies who take primacy for rough sleepers.

Local policing were invited to a meeting in December with partners to discuss the provision of a Hub in the area to provide support to vulnerable homeless people. This is an initiative which is in the planning stages and officers have been invited to offer support and advice to ensure its success.

Shoplifting offences continue to be a priority for the area. We have recently taken action against two repeat offenders who have been promptly dealt with for theft and breach of their criminal behaviour orders, which has seen them both served custodial sentences. We continue with our high-visibility patrols on foot in the town centre, and since these patrols have been out in the community, we have seen a significant reduction in reported shoplifting.

Moorlands local policing team have secured additional funding to tackle repeat suspects involved in shoplifting in the town centre and continue to take a 'zero tolerance' approach to shoplifting. Offenders are presented to the courts for sentencing for these matters. Two of our most prolific offenders are currently serving sentences in prison.

In the last 30 days, we have had a 40% reduction in reported retail theft in the area.

Our problem solving officer has been successful in securing a closure order in July for Eagle Mill Leek. An area with reported anti-social behaviour and drug taking. Feedback from residents in this area is that they have seen a huge improvement and this has positively affected their quality of life.

Working with partners, detached youth workers have deployed to hotspot areas in Leek and have fed back positive interactions with youths in the area. We are aware of anti-social behaviour in and around the area of a derelict building 'The Big Mill' Mill Street Leek, which attracts youths to the location. There are safety concerns around the condition of the building which are being addressed with the council and owner of the building. This is an ongoing piece of work to resolve. PCSOs will be going into schools at the beginning of term, to give talks around the safety risks at the location to deter children from visiting.

Officers are aware of a recent increase in drug activity in Leek town centre and are taking action to address this issue