New Year pledge from police chief

Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire, Mark Burns-Williamson, said the forthcoming year would be challenging for the force, who have had their budget slashed by nearly one-third, resulting in £154 million of savings needed by 2016/17.

But he said safer neighbourhoods with more visible policing and more integrated partnership working were a priority for 2014.

In a new year message the crime chief also pledged to provide greater support for victims and provide more opportunities for volunteers.

Mr Burns-Williamson said: “The eight policing divisions across West Yorkshire have become five, streamlined to share boundaries with local council areas.

“With more technology used remotely it will mean your bobbies and PCSO’s are where you want them, out and about on the beat,”

“A new victim’s code will see an improved service provided to victims and witnesses in West Yorkshire with their needs at the heart of the way support is provided.”

The crime chief said the force were also planning to recruit approximately 1,000 Special Constables in the New Year.

He also urged people to contact him about what matters to them in terms of community safety.