EMERGING threats posed by youngsters in so-called urban street gangs - seen by police as a precursor to more serious drug-peddling crime groups - are being tailed by officers in Barnsley.
South Yorkshire Police revealed officers have established a process of identifying, mapping, scoring and reducing the impact gangs are having.
Police confirmed an urban street gang is being mapped in Barnsley, as well as in other areas across the county.
Organised crime groups (OCGs) have long been on the force’s radar with disruption operations proving a success in the last year, with Thurnscoe man Stan Bentley, 25, receiving a five-and-a-half year sentence for moving into drug dealing on the ‘Bolton Line’.
“Urban street gangs are seen as a precursor to youths progressing from antisocial behaviour and minor criminality to entering into serious and organised crime,” a police report said.
“The processes and procedures are solely focused on disruption and diversionary measures.
“There is currently a mapped USG in each district, with the ambition of more mapping moving forward.”
At the end of September, a total of 70 groups were believed to be operating in South Yorkshire, with the majority being involved in drug supply.
Cocaine, heroin and cannabis continue to be the ‘predominant threats’, although the supply of synthetic drugs is believed to be increasing due to cheaper-to-buy prices.
A gang-related police meeting is now held each month with lead officers and staff from the town’s neighbourhood hubs based in the town centre, Cudworth, Penistone, Royston, Hoyland and Goldthorpe.
“Work is ongoing with the National Crime Agency (NCA) both regionally and locally to understand the threat of synthetic opioids and the impact this is having, including that on drug-related deaths,” the report added.
“The force’s Serious Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and neighbourhood policing teams continue to enforce and disrupt drugs markets.
“This has resulted in significant seizures of controlled drugs over the last reporting period.
“The force continues to lead the way nationally in the field of ‘Clear, Hold, Build’ initiative, which sees police and partners working closely with local partners to build resilience in local communities and prevent those at risk from being drawn into crime.
“Barnsley’s own project is the first nationally to move from the ‘build’ phase into business as usual and was commended at a national conference hosted by the Home Office.”
