Mayor doubles down on serious violence with new Police and Crime Plan
The Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin has published her new Police and Crime Plan, which sets out the policing policies for the next four years.
24 February 2025
Mayor doubles down on serious violence with new Police and Crime Plan
Tackling serious violence is the cornerstone of the Mayor of West Yorkshire’s new Police and Crime Plan, which will build on the region's innovative approach on the safety of women and girls, as well as combatting gangs, drugs and knife crime.
Launched at an event in Leeds today (24/02), it sets out Tracy Brabin’s bold vision on community safety for the years ahead and follows widespread consultation with the public and partners, including the Police, victim groups and rehabilitation organisations.
As well as focusing on the safety of women and girls, the new plan will also prioritise support for ‘at risk’ men and boys, preventing them from becoming victims, including through 'county lines' gangs and knife crime.
It also places children and young people at the heart of decision making through a pioneering ‘child first’ approach.
Other priorities include the aim to end road deaths and serious injuries through West Yorkshire Vision Zero.
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said:
“Serious violence remains a scourge on society both locally and nationally, which is why I have made this a top priority for our region.
“We are known for our innovative approach to tackling male violence towards women and girls. But it is crucial that we also work together to support vulnerable men and boys and clamp down on issues like gang violence and knife crime.
“We will continue to work with our partners and communities to ensure West Yorkshire remains a safer, fairer place to live and work.”
The showcase event also sees the announcement of a brand-new flagship campaign called ‘I Took a Seat’. Co-produced by members of the West Yorkshire Youth Commission and Violence Reduction Partnership, it responds to their ‘Big Conversation’ report.
This covers key issues including:
- Gangs, Drugs and Knife Crime
- Attitudes and Violence Towards Women
- Rehabilitation and Prevention
- Community Relationships and Life
Troy is one of the Youth Commission members whose personal experiences feature in the new campaign. He said:
"I wanted to be part of the campaign because I wanted to be part of something that young people are facing and wanted to tell a story on how knife crime should be spoken about more.
“I believe us young people have the power to motivate change and hold important people to account on the issue we care about. This campaign is personally important to me as knife crime seems to happen a lot in the UK and should be tackled to make sure the streets are safe where we live.
“I hope this campaign will create positive change and educate young people on the importance of not carrying a knife, and the hope that we can all can respect one another for who we are."
Director of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership, Detective Chief Superintendent Lee Berry added:
“This event really represents how much we can achieve when we work together in partnership to address priority issues like serious violence.
“The ‘I took a seat’ campaign with our Youth Commission is a fantastic example of how we can change lives, listening to and acting upon the concerns of our young people.
“This all supports the bold vision in the Mayor’s latest Police and Crime Plan, ensuring our communities remain protected from harm.”
You can view the Police and Crime Plan here.