Reluctance to report crime 'massive issue' in BD5 - Councillor claims

The claim was made during a discussion over whether to allow a Little Horton Lane store to sell alcohol for 24 hours.

One local councillor argued that there was a huge problem with alcohol-fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.

But when asked why police had not objected to the licence bid, Councillor Talat Sajawal (Bradford Independent Group, Little Horton), said the residents who were blighted by these issues rarely reported them to police.

The Bradford District Licensing Panel met on Thursday to decide whether to grant a 24-hour alcohol licence to Top Market European Food Store.

The store currently has a licence to serve alcohol between 7am and midnight.

There had been objections to the plans from local Councillors, as well as a petition signed by a number of residents.

Top Market (Image: newsquest)

At the meeting applicant Tingo Omar questioned the petition, pointing out that the signatures all seemed to have the same handwriting.

He said the shop was well staffed, and had numerous CCTV cameras.

The litter and street drinking referenced by objectors was not the sole responsibility of his shop – he claimed.

And he pointed out that other businesses in the area had been granted 24-hour licences.

Cllr Sajawal told members the area had been plagued by problems caused by drinking, and said a 24 hour licence for this store would make things worse.

But the panel pointed out that police had not objected to the plans, arguing that if there were a high number of reported crimes, police would have surely raised concerns to the panel.

But Cllr Sajawal said residents did not always report the crimes to police.

Residents not reporting crime as they have no faith anything will be done

He said: “The lack of reporting is a massive issue in BD5.

“People feel they might be identified if they report a crime. It is an uphill battle for us in BD5 to get people to report crime or anti-social behaviour.

“A lot of people will put representatives like Councillors or community leaders forward to voice their concerns rather than come forward themselves. They are worried if they do they might be identified.

“People report things to me, but not the authorities unfortunately.”

When the panel argued it was difficult to block a licence when there was no police objection, Cllr Sajawal added: “People don’t seem to grasp that this is why it is important to report incidents.

“We don’t want Little Horton Lane to become a 24/7 area.”

The panel voted to approve the 24-hour licence.