Wetherby - Crime

Crime

Crime is generally lower in Wetherby than in most areas of the City of Leeds metropolitan borough. In recent years the town centre has had problems with antisocial behaviour. To combat this CCTV has been installed, the Horsefair Centre is closed at night and a series of ASBOs have been issued by Leeds City Council. Problems with antisocial behaviour have been blamed for driving away shoppers.

The town has slight problems with shop lifting, burglary, antisocial behaviour, vandalism and violence in the town centre on a night after closing time. More serious crimes are on the whole rare.

Although crime is low in comparison to that across Leeds, it is higher than the national average. Wetherby has above average statistics for theft of motor vehicles, theft from motor vehicles, burglary and violence against the person.

The town has its own Police Station and is in the North East Leeds, West Yorkshire Police division. The local police force is the West Yorkshire Police. The town's magistrates court recently closed down.

Wetherby Town Council released the following statement, following the recent 'epidemic' of antisocial behaviour in the town centre.

The antisocial behaviour of the few is once again affecting the pleasure of living, working or just visiting Wetherby. There are reports of a group of 'hoodies' intimidating people down at the River Wharfe. They are targeting every age range with their obscene language, threatening remarks and general conduct. In addition, I think we have all seen the havoc and devastation to the picnic area which may have been the handiwork of the same group.