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Crime and Otley Run update

  • Writer: Izaak Wilson
    Izaak Wilson
  • Jul 29
  • 2 min read

During June and July 2025, Weetwood ward experienced 23 recorded crime incidents.


Of these, over half were vehicle-related. And some cases were on the same day and same street - with the offender caught by the police thanks to local residents combining their doorbell footage and a fantastic Neighbourhood Watch lead. Well done!


Safety recommendations based on the crimes observed


For vehicle security:

  • Always lock your vehicle and ensure windows are fully closed

  • Remove all visible items from your car, including tools and personal belongings

  • Install additional security measures such as steering wheel locks.


We've written about this quite a lot, most recently here - please share!


For home security:

  • Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, especially ground floor and easily accessible windows

  • Secure garden sheds and outbuildings where tools and equipment are stored


Graffiti:


This crime isn't typically reported to the police so it doesn't come up in the stats, but it's still a crime and needs to be tackled. We report it wherever we see it and encourage you to let us know about it and to report it to the police online.


Police response and community action


We are working closely with the local police team to:



How you can help


  • Report any suspicious activity immediately to 101 (or 999 in emergencies)

  • Share this advice with your neighbours

  • Consider joining or forming a Neighbourhood Watch group - let us know if you're interested in doing this, it really helps!

  • Attend upcoming community safety meetings:

    • Tuesday 19th August, 7-8pm at the Welcome In Community Centre (55 Bedford Drive)

    • Wednesday 20th August, 7-8pm at St Chad's Parish Centre (Otley Road)


Otley Run


As we've previously reported we now have a continuous police and council presence on the Otley Run every Saturday. We're working very hard on longer term licensing, legal, and communications changes to tackle it, but in the meantime it's about keeping the pressure on.


Some venues are now improving their queueing systems thanks to campaigning for change - still improvements need to be made.


As part of the regular Saturday patrols there are operations looking at vehicles too. For example, Saturday just done:


  • A total of 43 vehicles were inspected during the operation.

  • 2 Immediate Suspensions issued for major vehicle defects (including a prosecution for a defective tyre).

  • 2 Advisory Notices issued for minor vehicle defects.

  • 3 Warnings issued for breaches of licensing conditions (e.g., failure to wear or display a taxi badge).


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