Crimewave rocks York community

The Bishophill and Knavesmire area has seen an increased level of vandalism and burglary, and local residents refuse to stand any more, according to Micklegate ward councillor Sandy Fraser.

Coun Fraser said: "There has been an upsurge of crime in the area, from a knife attack in a corner shop to gangs of youths roaming the streets and the green, drinking and causing nuisance.

"We picked this up a lot in our election campaign, people are very unhappy with the situation."

Residents have reported nuisance behaviour and disturbance in all areas, with a particular increase in burglaries and vandalism in the Scarcroft allotment area. "This is causing real nuisance," said Coun Fraser.

"There is a great deal of arson and theft from the sheds on the patch, with vandalism and nuisance which does hurt people.

"There is real concern in the community, so now we are trying to join together and tackle the problem."

The councillor is now organising a police-backed public meeting and drop-in point in conjunction with the siting of a police community van on Scarcroft Green early next month. Police community ward manager PC David White said: "We are very keen to work very closely in a tight partnership with all parties to resolve these issues. "We will be visiting the area to allow people to air their views, and to help our working together."

The plan is supported by Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator Keith Chapman.

"What has a tendency to happen is that there is a lot of unreported crime in this area, which makes the statistics look better to the authorities, but does not do anything to tackle the problems we do face," said Mr Chapman.

"Because it is a small area, really any incidence of crime and nuisance is worrying.

"The council concentrates on areas like Tang Hall and Clifton, and I accept that here it is not as bad as some other areas. But what do we do, just sit back and leave it until it gets worse?"

Updated: 10:37 Thursday, May 29, 2003