BATLEY and Spen MP Tracy Brabin is holding a public meeting in response to residents’ concerns over a spate of car crime and burglaries.

It follows a number of constituents contacting Ms Brabin over the number of crimes in the area recently.

Inspector Mohammed Rauf, of the Batley and Spen local policing team will be at the meeting with West Yorkshire Police co-ordinator Barbara Petty to answer questions from residents.

At the meeting Inspector Rauf will be able to outline what criminals are targeting, provide details of ongoing operations and crime prevention, as well as the number of arrests made by police in relation to specific crimes.

He said: “We fully recognize the public’s concerns regarding recent car thefts and burglary in the area and want to reassure our communities that the police are taking positive action to tackle these issues.

“Any form of break-in at a property or theft can cause real distress to the victims and we are determined to address this.

“Over the past few months we have a team of dedicated officers who have been conducting proactive policing operations across the Batley and Spen area.

“Burglaries and thefts can often be opportunistic and there is a good chance they will have been committed by people living in some of the affected areas.

“I would strongly encourage anyone who has any information about any specific incidents or any other information to pass this onto the police so we can investigate thoroughly.”

Ms Brabin said: “West Yorkshire Police are working incredibly hard to tackle crime against a backdrop of Government cuts and austerity.

“I hope the meeting will give the people of Batley and Spen the opportunity to air their concerns and get an insight into what is being done in the fight against crime locally.

“It is vital that we have a good relationship with those who work to protect us and I hope this meeting will help bridge that gap between the public and the police.”

The meeting, which will be chaired by Ms Brabin, is being held at St John’s Church in Cleckheaton on Friday, February 16, between 6pm and 7.30pm.

Refreshments will be available and all proceeds will go to St John’s Roof Fund, which is also Ms Brabin’s Charity of the Month for February.