Town centre success for Barnsley team

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News: Latest - distributed around Yorkshire June 17, 2016 02:37:44 PM


A team of officers dedicated to tackling antisocial behaviour in Barnsley town centre have seen reductions in crime after just one month.


Officers in the new Barnsley Town Centre Policing Team, formed on 16 May, are working towards reducing antisocial behaviour in town centre hotspots, while building relationships with the local community and business owners.


Through high visibility patrols, community engagement and ongoing work with local partners, the team is hoping to make residents feel safer in the town and reduce instances of antisocial crime.


Sergeant Claire Scanlon, in charge of the new team, said: “We are aware that some people were reluctant to visit the town centre due to antisocial behaviour issues. This was also having a negative impact on local businesses.


“Although we did have officers and PCSOs who regularly patrolled the town centre, the introduction of the new team enables us to focus solely on that area and tackle the issues we are aware of.


“Through regular patrols, ourselves and the PCSOs have been able to spend time talking to members of the public and listening to their concerns. We are then able to put measures in place to try and tackle these issues.


“We have also visited businesses, and continue to do so, in addition to working alongside the council to address antisocial behaviour in the town centre.


“Since the team was formed, we have seen a 29 per cent reduction in antisocial behaviour and a 26 per cent reduction in shoplifting.


“I’m thrilled that we are already seeing a reduction in such behaviour and alongside the figures it’s also great to speak to members of the public and hear how they now feel more confident and comfortable coming into the town centre.


“We want people to enjoy living in Barnsley and ensure that it is a safe place to live. Myself and the rest of the team look forward to continuing this work and I would encourage anyone to report any incidents of antisocial behaviour to us.”


To report an incident, please call 101 or report an incident online at enquiries@southyorks.pnn.police.uk To find out more about antisocial behaviour please visit southyorks.pnn.police.uk/antisocialbehaviour




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