POLICE DETAILS
West Yorkshire Police - Batley and Spen Neighbourhood

• Increase in Theft from Shop offences - Birstall/Birkenshaw & East Bierley
  
  As we approach the festive season, we typically see a steady rise in Theft from Shop offences, particularly around the Junction 27 retail park in Birstall. 
  
  While Junction 27 remains a hotspot, other retail locations across the district also experience a seasonal uplift in shop thefts. 
  
  Local officers are working closely with businesses and security teams to deter offending and identify repeat offenders. 
  
  We encourage shop staff and members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour. 
  
  Please contact West Yorkshire Police in a non-emergency via 101 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

• We’ve recently completed a plain clothed operation at the Junction 27 retail site, working in close partnership with site security and using CCTV to identify known suspects. 
  
  Offenders have either been deterred or, where thefts have occurred, dealt with swiftly through the Criminal Justice System.Further plain clothed operations are planned in the lead-up to the festive season. Offenders should be warned - you won’t know you’re being watched. 
  
  We’re also extending our focus to other retail areas experiencing seasonal increases in theft. Identified premises will be visited to explore support options including target hardening, deployment of the CCTV van, increased police and council CESO visits and further plain clothed patrols. 
  
  In addition, we’ve added these locations to our weekly Neighbourhood Policing Team Patrol Plan, ensuring frequent uniformed patrols. We’re committed to strengthening partnerships with local businesses and taking robust, timely action against all identified suspects based on crime reports and intelligence received.

• Anti-social behaviour (ASB) in and around Batley Town Centre
  
  Officers in Batley East are prioritising the reduction of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in and around Batley Town Centre, particularly in the areas surrounding Aldi and Tesco. This includes addressing issues such as nuisance and aggressive begging, theft from shops (TFS offences), and the presence of nuisance vehicles and inconsiderate parking.

• Several individuals have recently been issued Community Behaviour Orders (CBOs) banning them from the town centre due to persistent offending, including begging and shoplifting. 
  
  Neighbourhood policing officers will continue to conduct high-visibility patrols in the identified hotspot areas to deter and disrupt offending behaviour. 
  
  Officers will engage with local businesses and members of the public to gather intelligence and provide reassurance. Enforcement action will be taken against individuals breaching CBOs or engaging in ASB, with a focus on persistent offenders. 
  
  Officers will also work in partnership with local authority teams and support services to ensure a balanced approach that includes both enforcement and support for vulnerable individuals where appropriate.

• Nuisance Vehicles – Batley & Spen (All Areas)
  
  There has been a rise in vehicle-related nuisance across the district, including excessive speeding, dangerous driving, and anti-social use of vehicles such as loud exhausts, reckless manoeuvres, and gatherings that cause disruption to local communities.
  
  These behaviours pose a serious risk to public safety, contribute to noise pollution, and negatively affect the quality of life for residents.

• To address this issue, we will implement a multi-agency approach involving partnership working by collaborating with Kirklees Council, Highways, Safer Kirklees and local councillors to identify hotspot areas and implement preventative measures such as traffic calming and signage. 
  
  The Kirklees Neighbour Anti-Social Vehicle Team will deploy their specialist officers to monitor and respond to reports of vehicle nuisance. This team will gather intelligence, conduct targeted patrols and engage with communities to raise awareness. Officers will take enforcement action where necessary, including issuing warnings, seizing vehicles and prosecuting repeat offenders. 
  
  Education and engagement will also be used to deter future incidents. 
  
  Officers will encourage residents to report incidents via 101 or online platforms and attend local meetings to ensure concerns are heard and addressed.

• Theft of Motor Vehicles - Heckmondwike
  
  Over the past month, there has been a noticeable increase in reported motor vehicle thefts across the area. Offenders are targeting vehicles parked overnight on residential streets, as well as those in public car parks and retail zones. 
  
  Intelligence indicates that some stolen vehicles are being used to commit further crimes, including burglary and drug-related activity, while others are being dismantled for parts. This rise in thefts is contributing to heightened community concern. 

• To tackle the rise in motor vehicle thefts, a multi-agency action plan is being implemented focusing on intelligence-led policing, targeted patrols in hotspot areas, and proactive enforcement using tools like ANPR. Community engagement is key, with crime prevention advice being shared and residents encouraged to report suspicious activity. 
  
  Partnerships with local authorities and businesses aim to improve environmental security, while offender management strategies and diversionary programmes help reduce repeat offending. Regular communication and evaluation ensure transparency, build public confidence, and allow for ongoing refinement of tactics.

• Increase in Theft from Shop offences - Birstall/Birkenshaw & East Bierley
  
  As we approach the festive season, we typically see a steady rise in Theft from Shop offences, particularly around the Junction 27 retail park in Birstall. 
  
  While Junction 27 remains a hotspot, other retail locations across the district also experience a seasonal uplift in shop thefts. 
  
  Local officers are working closely with businesses and security teams to deter offending and identify repeat offenders. 
  
  We encourage shop staff and members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour. 
  
  Please contact West Yorkshire Police in a non-emergency via 101 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

• We’ve recently completed a plain clothed operation at the Junction 27 retail site, working in close partnership with site security and using CCTV to identify known suspects. 
  
  Offenders have either been deterred or, where thefts have occurred, dealt with swiftly through the Criminal Justice System.Further plain clothed operations are planned in the lead-up to the festive season. Offenders should be warned - you won’t know you’re being watched. 
  
  We’re also extending our focus to other retail areas experiencing seasonal increases in theft. Identified premises will be visited to explore support options including target hardening, deployment of the CCTV van, increased police and council CESO visits and further plain clothed patrols. 
  
  In addition, we’ve added these locations to our weekly Neighbourhood Policing Team Patrol Plan, ensuring frequent uniformed patrols. We’re committed to strengthening partnerships with local businesses and taking robust, timely action against all identified suspects based on crime reports and intelligence received.

• Anti-social behaviour (ASB) in and around Batley Town Centre
  
  Officers in Batley East are prioritising the reduction of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in and around Batley Town Centre, particularly in the areas surrounding Aldi and Tesco. This includes addressing issues such as nuisance and aggressive begging, theft from shops (TFS offences), and the presence of nuisance vehicles and inconsiderate parking.

• Several individuals have recently been issued Community Behaviour Orders (CBOs) banning them from the town centre due to persistent offending, including begging and shoplifting. 
  
  Neighbourhood policing officers will continue to conduct high-visibility patrols in the identified hotspot areas to deter and disrupt offending behaviour. 
  
  Officers will engage with local businesses and members of the public to gather intelligence and provide reassurance. Enforcement action will be taken against individuals breaching CBOs or engaging in ASB, with a focus on persistent offenders. 
  
  Officers will also work in partnership with local authority teams and support services to ensure a balanced approach that includes both enforcement and support for vulnerable individuals where appropriate.

• Nuisance Vehicles – Batley & Spen (All Areas)
  
  There has been a rise in vehicle-related nuisance across the district, including excessive speeding, dangerous driving, and anti-social use of vehicles such as loud exhausts, reckless manoeuvres, and gatherings that cause disruption to local communities.
  
  These behaviours pose a serious risk to public safety, contribute to noise pollution, and negatively affect the quality of life for residents.

• To address this issue, we will implement a multi-agency approach involving partnership working by collaborating with Kirklees Council, Highways, Safer Kirklees and local councillors to identify hotspot areas and implement preventative measures such as traffic calming and signage. 
  
  The Kirklees Neighbour Anti-Social Vehicle Team will deploy their specialist officers to monitor and respond to reports of vehicle nuisance. This team will gather intelligence, conduct targeted patrols and engage with communities to raise awareness. Officers will take enforcement action where necessary, including issuing warnings, seizing vehicles and prosecuting repeat offenders. 
  
  Education and engagement will also be used to deter future incidents. 
  
  Officers will encourage residents to report incidents via 101 or online platforms and attend local meetings to ensure concerns are heard and addressed.

• Theft of Motor Vehicles - Heckmondwike
  
  Over the past month, there has been a noticeable increase in reported motor vehicle thefts across the area. Offenders are targeting vehicles parked overnight on residential streets, as well as those in public car parks and retail zones. 
  
  Intelligence indicates that some stolen vehicles are being used to commit further crimes, including burglary and drug-related activity, while others are being dismantled for parts. This rise in thefts is contributing to heightened community concern. 

• To tackle the rise in motor vehicle thefts, a multi-agency action plan is being implemented focusing on intelligence-led policing, targeted patrols in hotspot areas, and proactive enforcement using tools like ANPR. Community engagement is key, with crime prevention advice being shared and residents encouraged to report suspicious activity. 
  
  Partnerships with local authorities and businesses aim to improve environmental security, while offender management strategies and diversionary programmes help reduce repeat offending. Regular communication and evaluation ensure transparency, build public confidence, and allow for ongoing refinement of tactics.

• Festive / New Year retail crime focus - Birstall/Birkenshaw & East Bierley / Liversedge & Gomersal
  
  As we are in the festive and new year season, we expect to see increased commerce activity at our retail sites and local stores, which can also bring a steady rise in theft offences. 

• To tackle these issues, prevent crime, and provide high visibility reassurance, officers will be routinely patrolling or holding contact points at locations like the J27 Retail Park, general Town Centre stores, and supermarkets, being accessible to the public when needed.
  
  We continue to work closely with businesses and security teams to deter offending and identify repeat offenders. We encourage shop staff and members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour. 
  
  Please contact West Yorkshire Police in a non-emergency via 101 or report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Birstall/Birkenshaw & East Bierley / Liversedge & Gomersal areas
 

• Retail crime focus - We anticipate regular shopping activity, we expect a steady level of footfall at our retail sites and local stores, which can also bring a rise in theft offences. Alongside this, officers have identified an increase in youth-related anti-social behaviour (ASB) and offending at Junction 27, a problem-solving investigation has begun. 

• To tackle these issues, prevent crime and provide visible reassurance, officers will routinely patrol key areas and hold contact points at retail premises across the J27 Retail Park, remaining accessible to the public when needed. We continue to work closely with businesses and on-site security teams to deter offending and identify repeat offenders. Officers have also carried out several plain-clothed operations in partnership with retailers and site security allowing us to take positive action. This resulted in a group of youths being detained and issued with appropriate ASB interventions. We continue to monitor the situation and will repeat these proactive measures as required.

Heckmondwike area
 

• Theft of Motor Vehicles - There continues to be a noticeable increase in reported motor vehicle thefts across the area. Offenders are targeting vehicles parked overnight on residential streets, as well as those left in public car parks and retail zones. Intelligence suggests that some stolen vehicles are being used to commit further offences, including burglary and drug‑related activity, while others are dismantled for parts. This persistent rise in thefts is contributing to heightened community concern.

• Increased patrols are taking place to deter further thefts, with officers regularly stopping vehicles—particularly those from outside the area. A multi‑agency action plan is underway, focusing on intelligence‑led policing, targeted patrols in hotspot locations, and proactive enforcement using tools such as ANPR. We continue to work with partners to improve security, share crime‑prevention advice, and encourage residents to report any suspicious activity.

Batley & Spen all areas
 

• You said - Kirklees District has received approximately 1215 calls for service regarding off road motorcycles/nuisance vehicles such as quads in 2025 so far.
  Similar community complaints have also been echoed within community meetings and via local Councillors in most ward areas.

• We did - The Police bike unit dedicated to taking illegal riders off road has been continuing to hunt them down in streets and fields of Kirklees putting all their focus and efforts on tackling these issues in communities across Kirklees. Those not caught in the act are sought out by driven investigations and intelligence gathering to identify those responsible to hold them to account and seize the problem vehicles. New methods are continually being trialled so as the "Report the Roar" anonymous contact form sent out to Community Alert subscribers. Specific days of action with neighbourhood policing teams and the force’s Roads Policing Unit continue to be undertaken, and work remains ongoing with NPT colleagues on problem solving. Since the beginning of 2025, the team has seized 219 vehicles, issued 333 tickets in addition to other prosecutions, and issued 75 section 59 warnings which notify riders their vehicles may be seized if they are seen being used anti socially.

Cleckheaton Town Centre area

• ASB - Officers in Cleckheaton are prioritising the reduction of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in and around the Town Centre, particularly in the area surrounding the Bus Station. This includes addressing issues such as nuisance youths, off road bikes, nuisance vehicles and inconsiderate parking.

• Neighbourhood policing officers will continue to conduct high-visibility patrols in the identified hotspot areas to deter and disrupt offending behaviour. Officers will engage with local businesses and members of the public to gather intelligence and provide reassurance. Enforcement action will be taken against individuals engaging in ASB, with a focus on persistent offenders. Officers will also work in partnership with local authority teams and support services to ensure a balanced approach that includes both enforcement and support for vulnerable individuals where appropriate.

Birstall/Birkenshaw & East Bierley / Liversedge & Gomersal areas
 

• As the weather improves, there is an anticipated increase in footfall within public spaces, retail parks and licensed areas. We aim to affectively respond and negate any concerns regarding retail-related theft, shoplifting, youth-related ASB, anti-social vehicles, street drinking and other nuisance behav

• We will conduct high-visibility foot and mobile patrols within town centres, retail parks and known ASB hotspots focusing on peak times. Intelligence and local knowledge will be used to identify repeat locations, nominals and any emerging trends linked to seasonal behaviour. Officers will make effective and proportionate use of police powers where appropriate, including stop and search where grounds exist, ASB legislation, dispersal powers and retail crime prevention measures.
• We will engage positively with young people and groups congregating in public spaces, using early intervention, advice and direction to prevent issues escalating. Close working relationships will be maintained with retailers, security staff and business watch schemes to share information, encourage evidence preservation and support prevention activity. Where ASB is persistent or location-based, we will problem solve alongside partner agencies such as local authority, Safer Kirklees, CCTV, youth services and housing. Patrols will also be used as opportunities for community engagement and visibility, reinforcing public confidence and improving accessibility through methods such as contact points. 

Heckmondwike area
 

• With the onset of warmer weather, there is an anticipated increase in anti-social behaviour within Heckmondwike, particularly relating to off-road bikes and general nuisance.

• Officers from Batley and Spen Neighbourhood Policing officers will carry out high-visibility patrols in identified hotspot areas to deter anti-social behaviour and provide reassurance to residents. Officers will engage with the local community to gather intelligence and understand ongoing concerns. Positive action will be taken where appropriate to address offending and prevent escalation. Targeted operations will be conducted to reduce persistent ASB as well as working with partner agencies where necessary to address issues collectively.

Cleckheaton Town Centre area

• ASB - Officers in Cleckheaton are prioritising the reduction of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in and around the Town Centre, particularly in the area surrounding the Bus Station. This includes addressing issues such as nuisance youths, off road bikes, nuisance vehicles and inconsiderate parking.

• Officers in Cleckheaton continue to deliver high-visibility, targeted patrols within the town centre and bus station area to address identified criminality and ASB issues. Proportionate ASB enforcement and traffic legislation powers are continually reviewed against reports, including engagement, dispersal, warnings, vehicles seizure and Community Protection Notices where necessary, with a clear focus on repeat offenders. This activity is supported by joint working with local authority partners, CCTV and transport providers, alongside community engagemnento gather intelligence and provide reassurance. 

Birstall/Birkenshaw & East Bierley / Liversedge & Gomersal areas
 

• As the weather continues to be warm and dry and more people spend time within public spaces, retail parks and licensed areas. We aim to affectively respond and negate any concerns regarding retail-related theft, shoplifting, youth-related ASB, anti-social vehicles, street drinking and other nuisance behaviour

• We will conduct high-visibility foot and mobile patrols within town centres, retail parks and known ASB hotspots focusing on peak times. Intelligence and local knowledge will be used to identify repeat locations, nominals and any emerging trends linked to seasonal behaviour. Officers will make effective and proportionate use of police powers where appropriate, including stop and search where grounds exist, ASB legislation, dispersal powers and retail crime prevention measures.
• We will engage positively with young people and groups congregating in public spaces, using early intervention, advice and direction to prevent issues escalating. Close working relationships will be maintained with retailers, security staff and business watch schemes to share information, encourage evidence preservation and support prevention activity. Where ASB is persistent or location-based, we will problem solve alongside partner agencies such as local authority, Safer Kirklees, CCTV, youth services and housing. Patrols will also be used as opportunities for community engagement and visibility, reinforcing public confidence and improving accessibility through methods such as contact points. 
• Officers patrol activity has been directed by current intelligence, local knowledge and community feedback enabling officers to focus on repeat locations, known nominals and emerging seasonal issues. We have been proactive in liaising with local retailers and security, having early intervention in several potentially emerging crime patterns / ASB to extinguish issues at the source. There has been no requirement for any recent ASB dispersal powers, but this remains under continual review. In addition, officers have been undertaking specific duties around licensed premises to ensure safe practices and negate any issues during the s

Heckmondwike area
 

• With the onset of warmer weather, there is an anticipated increase in anti-social behaviour within Heckmondwike, particularly relating to off-road bikes and general nuisance.

• A Problem Solving Occurrence (PSO) has now been established to allow a more structured and targeted approach. We will continue to carry out high-visibility patrols in the area and work closely with partner agencies to address the issues identified. Officers from Batley and Spen Neighbourhood Policing officers will carry out high-visibility patrols in identified hotspot areas to deter anti-social behaviour and provide reassurance to residents. Officers will engage with the local community to gather intelligence and understand ongoing concerns.  
  a {
  text-decoration: none;
  color: #464feb;
  }
  tr th, tr td {
  border: 1px solid #e6e6e6;
  }
  tr th {
  background-color: #f5f5f5;
  }
  

Batley Town Centre area

• ASB - Officers in Batley Town Centre are addressing anti-social behaviour and parking concerns that negatively impact residents, businesses and visitors. Through targeted patrols, community engagement and partnership working, the aim is to reduce incidents of ASB and improve parking compliance. Particular focus will be placed on identified hotspot locations and gathering community intelligence to create a safer, more accessible and welcoming environment for all who live, work and visit the area. 

• Neighbourhood Policing Officers and PCSOs will conduct regular high-visibility patrols of identified hotspot areas within Batley Town Centre, focusing on preventative engagement and enforcement where appropriate. Reports of ASB and parking issues will be monitored and reviewed to identify trends, repeat offenders and locations requiring targeted intervention. Officers will work closely with Safer Kirklees and Parking Enforcement officers to develop problem solving plans and provide reassurance to those affected by ASB and parking related issues.