Street begging hitting businesses in Shipley, police report says

Begging in the town is also intimidating the public

A rise in street begging is affecting footfall for businesses in a part of Bradford, police have said.

The problem has been highlighted in an annual report from the Shipley neighbourhood policing team.

The report said in Shipley there had been an increase in beggars that has not only impacted businesses but "makes the public feel intimidated".

Shoplifting across the area has also risen, with 335 crimes recorded in 2023 compared with 249 in 2022.

Officers are working with the Businesswatch in the town to reduce "this damaging trend to our local economy", the report said..

Street drug dealing

In response to a rise in begging, police said they were working to support those in need but where support was declined, criminal behaviour orders had been obtained for "those causing significant issues".

The report noted that from January to December last year there had been 8,132 crimes recorded across the area, a slight increase from 8,127 offences the previous year.

In Baildon, burglary rates have dropped, the report said, with neighbourhood watch volunteers being praised for their work.

Other issues raised included speeding and nuisance motor vehicles on rural roads in part of Bingley, which police said remained a "high priority".

It said Myrtle Park and Crossflatts remained priorities for patrols in tackling street drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.

The police report said officers shared the same "frustrations" as residents and councillors about these issues.

It added: "We will continue to strive to make the difference needed."

The issues raised will be discussed at a meeting of Bradford Council's Shipley Area Committee on Wednesday.