By KLTV Newsdesk –

Partnership between police, council and charity leads to safer streets and stronger community support

A joint initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour in Halifax Town Centre has led to a 10 per cent reduction in shop thefts, thanks to collaborative efforts between West Yorkshire authorities and local charities.

The partnership involves the West Yorkshire Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE, alongside Happy Days charity, Calderdale Council, and West Yorkshire Police.

It forms part of the Government’s ‘Safer Streets’ initiative, which has increased neighbourhood policing presence across high streets nationwide.

Supporting Vulnerable People to Prevent Crime

At the heart of the project is Happy Days, a Calderdale-based charity supporting people who are homeless or in crisis. Chief Executive Officer, Ellen Boothe, said: “At Happy Days, we take a holistic approach, recognising that many of our service members live with complex needs, from adverse childhood experiences to trauma that affects them well into adulthood.

“We’re here to offer not just therapy, advocacy, and wraparound support, but also practical help like our community supermarket – all of which helps people rebuild their lives.

“By working closely with our partner agencies, we can respond quickly, making sure people get the right support at the right time.

“And we’re seeing the results – less harm, reduced anti-social behaviour and more people finding stability before they ever reach crisis point.”

Counsellor James Batty, whose role is funded through the West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin’s Safer Communities Fund, highlighted the importance of early intervention: “Many of our service users have faced complex challenges from a young age, which has led to addiction and mental health issues, which then can often lead to anti-social behaviour.

“However, this isn’t the life that our users set out to have, or want to have, and that’s why we offer a safe space and practical support to help them, reframe their lives, access rehab, and move towards recovery.”

Partnership at the Heart of Prevention

Deputy Mayor Alison Lowe OBE praised the role of charities in bridging the gap between communities and services: “Because Happy Days has earned the trust of the community, it’s easier for police and other services to work effectively with those affected by serious crime and exploitation.

“This helps us offer the right support, prevent people from entering the criminal justice system, and provide opportunities for rehabilitation and change.

“Neighbourhood policing is critical to community safety, but it’s not just about reacting to crime, it’s also about preventing it – that’s why these organisations are essential partners in tackling anti-social behaviour and supporting safer communities.”

Policing with a Whole-Systems Approach

Chief Inspector May Preston, Neighbourhoods and Partnerships lead at Calderdale District, said officers often encounter people with complex vulnerabilities.

“Officers often come across very vulnerable people in our everyday policing, and staff at Happy Days have the expertise to support them.

“Working in partnership with them allows us to take a whole systems approach to dealing with some of these issues, which are more societal rather than simply just about enforcement.

“This partnership approach has already seen results, with over a 10 per cent reduction in shop thefts and a 30 per cent decrease in demand around our night-time economy.”

A Compassionate Approach to Community Safety

Cllr Danielle Durrans, Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, stressed the importance of working with local organisations: “As Cabinet Member for Public Services and Communities, I work closely with partners like Happy Days to ensure vulnerable people receive the support they need.

“Their ability to respond flexibly to complex needs makes them a vital part of our community safety strategy, improving outcomes not just for individuals, but for families and neighbourhoods.

“Through our partnership and the Deputy Mayor’s support, we’re tackling issues like antisocial behaviour and public safety with compassion and collaboration.”

With the success of the scheme in Calderdale, it is hoped that Kirklees town centres will see similar results once the scheme is implemented.