Residents and councillors call for stepped‑up policing in Almondbury
Anger and frustration have mounted in the Almondbury area of Huddersfield after a series of incidents of vandalism and anti‑social behaviour that local councillors say require an increased police presence, particularly at night.
Two Reform councillors for Almondbury, Gill Floyd and Pip Harvey, have told residents they have raised the matter with West Yorkshire Police following reports of youths riding electric motorbikes, thefts, damage to public property and intimidating behaviour. The concerns were amplified on social media over the weekend when a photograph circulated showing a bus shelter with smashed windows.
Locals told reporters they had seen people described as "balaclava‑clad louts" racing around the village and said the problem was "getting out of hand". One resident used a derogatory epithet on social media, calling those responsible "feral sewer rats with the intelligence of gibbons".
"We have also spoken with the police this morning to try to get an increased presence particularly at night due to the very high level of antisocial behaviour in the community,"
The councillors’ statement echoed wider unease among residents about safety and the condition of local amenities. It is understood the reported vandal attack has been passed on to West Yorkshire Police and transport operator Metro.
Local impacts and immediate demands
Residents have highlighted several interlinked problems affecting daily life in Almondbury:
- Damage to public infrastructure — including at least two bus shelters with smashed glass;
- Groups of youths riding electric motorbikes through residential streets, raising concerns about noise and danger to pedestrians;
- A pattern of thefts, vandalism and reportedly intimidating behaviour that has prompted calls for action from community representatives.
The councillors say they want more visible policing at night, when some of the most worrying incidents have been reported. Their appeal reflects a wider debate across West Yorkshire about how to allocate limited policing resources to tackle low‑level but persistent crime that undermines residents’ sense of security.
| Issue reported | Action taken (so far) |
|---|---|
| Smashed bus shelters | Incident reported to Metro and West Yorkshire Police |
| Youths on electric motorbikes | Councillors have requested increased night patrols |
| Vandalism, thefts and intimidation | Residents raised concerns on social media; councillors liaising with police |
What this means for Huddersfield
For residents, the immediate consequences are practical and psychological: damaged shelters reduce the usability and perception of public transport, while reports of dangerous riding and late‑night disturbances deter people from walking or using local facilities after dark. For elected representatives, the incidents have prompted a push to secure a more sustained police response.
Longer term, councillors and community groups may press for a mix of responses beyond visible patrols — such as targeted enforcement against reckless riding, repairs to public infrastructure funded by local bodies, and youth‑engagement initiatives to address the root causes of anti‑social conduct. At present, though, councillors have concentrated on seeking an immediate increase in policing to reassure residents.
West Yorkshire Police and Metro have been approached for comment about any planned additional patrols or repairs. In the meantime, residents are being urged to report damage and anti‑social behaviour so incidents are logged and can be acted on.
The developments in Almondbury underline how problems described as "low‑level" can nevertheless have an outsized effect on neighbourhood life, prompting demands for swift action from both councillors and the community.
