WITNESSES to violent crime hold the key to stamping it out forever, it has been claimed.

This week national figures revealed an increase in violent crime and in an illustration of the problem locally, a court heard how a 17 year old beat a teenager senseless after

drinking in Otley town centre.

The youth, who cannot be named, originally faced the serious charge of affray but then pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of

threatening behaviour - the victim failed to press charges.The youth could face detention (see below).

Police say, as is often the case, a number of witnesses to the incident had declined to give evidence in court.

Commenting on the national situation, Councillor Colin Campbell, former chairman of the Otley, Aireborough and Horsforth Police Forum, said more people needed to help the police in their fight against crime.

Coun Campbell said: "Police cannot patrol the streets in the chance there will be some affray. I know there has been some success in the Wharfedale area of police targeting known trouble makers and taking them out of the system. But there has to some way of reassuring people that if they give evidence there will be some measure of protection."

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "The importance of witnesses coming forward cannot be emphasised enough, and they are often crucial in police investigations. Anyone who thinks they have any information related to an incident should ring their local police station, or call (0845) 6060606 out of hours."

He said potential witnesses who are afraid of reprisals can give anonymous information by calling the Crimestoppers line on (0800) 555111.

"We would like to remind people that calls to Crimestoppers can be made in strictest confidence. They don't have to leave a name, and there may be a cash reward."

l Meanwhile the chairman of the town's Community Involvement Team (CIT), Coun Phil Coyne, is calling for improved youth

facilities to keep young people out of trouble.

Coun Coyne said the community must fight youth crime by working for better facilities for young people. He said: "A lot of crime does seem to be in the area of young people, but there needs to be a holistic approach to the problem. Facilities for young people are

antiquated."

A recent CIT survey revealed community safety was one of the biggest issues of concern for people in Otley. CIT members recently met with Prince Henry's Grammar School headteacher John Steel to discuss ways of stopping youths turning to crime.

"What we need in Otley is to raise aspiration levels, and let young people see real opportunities to improve their lives rather then turn to crime," said Coun Coyne.