SAFEGUARDING the most vulnerable people in Keighley and the rest of the county is a key priority in the new Police and Crime Plan.

West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Mark Burns-Williamson this week unveiled his blueprint for the next five years.

The plan sets out the priorities that will drive work within the partnership of the PCC and West Yorkshire Police.

Its publication follows the largest consultation the PCC office has ever carried out with the public, partners and the police.

Mr Burns-Williamson outlined the plan at a workshop aimed at reducing the numbers of missing people across the county, one of the new priorities included in the document.

West Yorkshire Police receive nearly 5,000 calls regarding missing people every year, 20 per cent of which are considered to be “high risk.”

The focus of the workshop was on prevention and early intervention, key service improvements and how resources are deployed.

Other new additions to the plan include priorities on working together to prevent radicalisation and protecting people that are vulnerable to being groomed.

Increasing cohesion by encouraging inclusivity and building relationships between communities is also a key feature.

Many priorities from the previous plan remain, including a focus on domestic abuse, road safety and cyber crime.

There is also a spotlight on tackling anti-social behaviour, hate crime, burglary and human trafficking and supporting victims and witnesses.

Mr Burns-Williamson said: "I have listened to the people of West Yorkshire and I am acting on what they have told me.

"Many of the new priorities focus on protecting vulnerable people and are a reflection of emerging crime trends, community feedback, the changing nature of policing and the impact of budget cuts.

"The heart of the plan is working together to make a better West Yorkshire for everyone. Each of us has a role to play in improving the lives of people and their families across all of our communities."

In the document, Mr Burns-Williamson pledges to protect frontline policing and police and community support officers and to put more proceeds of crime back into the district’s local communities.

And he vows to fight for a fairer funding deal for the region.

West Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Dee Collins said: "These are challenging times but I believe that with clear focus, we can continue to deliver a quality service for the public, particularly those who are most vulnerable or in need."

Visit westyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk for more details of the plan and to download a copy.