By Voices of Ashbrow Newsdesk –

Innovative partnership sees crime plummet by 46% in six months—and the journey is just beginning

Ashbrow, once identified as the area of highest risk for serious organised crime in Kirklees, is now at the heart of an ambitious transformation.

The SHAPE UP initiative- Safety, Hope, Ashbrow, Partnerships, Equality, Urban Programme – is delivering real change through united community action.

Born out of insights from the Serious Organised Crime (SOC) Local Profile, SHAPE UP brings together a powerful coalition: Kirklees Police, Kirklees Council, West Yorkshire Fire Service, the NHS, local charities, businesses, sports clubs, and residents, all working to dismantle criminal influence and create a safer, stronger Ashbrow.

Why Ashbrow, and Why Now?

Ashbrow’s vulnerability to serious organised crime had made it a priority. Young and vulnerable people were being targeted by exploitative networks.

But over the past six months, thanks to the SHAPE UP programme, the Crime Severity Score has dropped by an impressive 46%.

This result is not a fluke, it’s the outcome of a committed, evidence-based approach, with communities and professionals pulling in the same direction.

A New Way to Fight Crime and Build Hope

What sets SHAPE UP apart is its use of the Clear, Hold, Build (CHB) methodology—a proven three-step strategy to dismantle organised crime and rebuild trust and opportunity.

• CLEAR: Police and partners have taken decisive action to disrupt and dislodge serious crime networks.

• HOLD: Now, the focus is on stabilising the community, preventing the return of criminal elements, and restoring faith in public services.

• BUILD: Coming next is a focus on long-term community investment—supporting youth programmes, education, employment, safer public spaces, and more.

The Road Ahead Needs You

With the Clear Phase already producing results and the Hold Phase now underway, all eyes are on the upcoming Build Phase, where local voices will be critical.

Residents, businesses, youth leaders, volunteers; everyone in Ashbrow has a role to play. Your ideas, your energy, and your presence can shape what comes next.

Here’s how to get involved:

• Attend local events and community meetings

• Volunteer your time and skills

• Support employment, sports, or youth schemes

• Report concerns and help keep your neighbourhood safe

Join the Movement at the Ashbrow Community Event

A special Community Event will be held on Thursday, 15 May, from 2 pm to 6 pm, where residents can meet partners, share ideas, and learn more about SHAPE UP’s progress and future.

This is more than a crime reduction plan, it’s a movement for hope, safety, and unity. Let’s build a better Ashbrow, together.