Traders and tour operators in central Leeds are warning that persistent anti-social behaviour (ASB) is denting footfall and harming the city's image, amid concerns that those responsible are not being steered into the support services they need.
Business owners report intimidation and health risks
Operators on Kirkgate, long regarded as one of Leeds' oldest streets, say they are regularly dealing with rough sleepers on premises and discarded drug paraphernalia. Cameron Bedford, who runs the Doghouse Bar and Bagel Shop, said the presence of sleepers and the discovery of needles on steps has made trading more difficult.
"We're getting a lot of anti-social behaviour up and down the street,"
Elsewhere, tour operators based near the Corn Exchange describe incidents of intimidating behaviour disrupting visitors and affecting staff morale. Daisy Lyons, who runs ghost tours, recalled episodes that have interrupted guided walks and undermined the visitor experience.
Official figures show a small rise across the county
Data from West Yorkshire Police indicates a slight countywide increase of 1.3% in ASB reports between March 2025 and March 2026, with Leeds recording a larger rise of 4.2% over the same period. In the city centre, Police.uk recorded 305 ASB offences in May this year — up on May 2025 but down on figures from 2023.
| Area | Change (Mar 2025–Mar 2026) |
|---|---|
| West Yorkshire | +1.3% |
| Leeds | +4.2% |
| Leeds city centre (May) | 305 incidents |
Policy response and questions over support
The government plans to roll out new Respect Orders, which could require frequent offenders to attend drug, alcohol or anger-management programmes, with criminal sanctions for breaches. Some business owners say the problem is not simply enforcement: they worry there is inadequate access to treatment or housing that might reduce repeat offending.
- Traders report rough sleepers using private premises and discarded needles becoming a regular hazard.
- Reported ASB in Leeds increased by 4.2% year-on-year to March 2026.
- Respect Orders are due to be introduced nationally, aiming to divert persistent offenders into treatment.
Local leaders and emergency services face a balancing act: they must address immediate concerns about safety and business viability while pursuing routes that offer long-term solutions for people with complex needs. For residents and visitors, the immediate questions remain practical — where should needle sightings be reported, and how can businesses obtain rapid support when incidents occur?
Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police have established channels for reporting but businesses say response times and joined-up services can be inconsistent. As national legislation approaches, the focus in Leeds will be on how Respect Orders are implemented locally and whether they translate into a tangible fall in street-level disruption.
Further reporting will monitor whether introduced measures result in reduced incidents and improved coordination between enforcement agencies, health services and the city’s homelessness support providers.
