Radio network launched to tackle city centre crime

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

Leeds Business Crime Reduction Partnership (Leeds BCRP) is a partnership with West Yorkshire Police and Leeds City Council, and will use a live radio network and intelligence portal so businesses can share information and report incidents quickly.

About 80% of commerical areas across the country already have similar schemes in place, according to Leeds BCRP.

A Leeds BCRP spokesperson said: "Our aim is for timely, accurate intelligence that can be acted upon and that will bring results, justice and over time, act as a deterrent to would-be criminals."

Leeds BCRP said it would provide training and advice to businesses after research showed more "direct action" was needed.

It said it would also provide greater engagement and communication on outcomes to encourage businesses to report crimes.

Supt Matt Scott of West Yorkshire Police said: "Policing a large, complex city is never straightforward, and the drivers of crime and anti‑social behaviour are often complex as well.

"If we want to reduce offending and, just as importantly, improve how safe the city feels, that must be done collaboratively - bringing together businesses, local authorities and policing to share information, identify patterns and risks early, embed best practice and coordinate our response."

Anti-social behaviour covers crimes such as vandalism and drug use, as well as issues like noise and littering.

According to figures from West Yorkshire Police, reports across the county saw a small increase of 1.3% between March 2025 and March 2026.

However, in Leeds the increase over the same period was 4.2%.

Leeds City Council said a "welcoming and thriving" city is vital to its success so the Leeds BCRP will help coordinate crime-fighting efforts between the local authority, businesses and police.

Chris Impett from Pubwatch Leeds City Centre said: "A radio network connecting all of the licensed premises in the city centre is essential in keeping communication on busy nights."

He added: "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."

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