HEIGHTENED police presence will continue in a bid to stamp out drug-related concerns which are plaguing Barnsley town centre, force bosses have confirmed.
Having been highlighted as a priority by both shoppers and businesses - who complained about rising drug dealing and taking in the centre - officers based in the area confirmed they will continue to target known locations where deals are occurring.
Operation Sidewinder - a monthly scheme designed to target illicit night-time activities - will continue in the run-up to Christmas, it was confirmed at a police meeting held at Lightbox @ the Library yesterday.
A police report also revealed dogs trained to sniff out drugs are joining officers on their patrols.
It added: “Drug-related activity has been identified as a concern within the town centre, with known hotspot areas for both users and dealers.
“People said they would like to see increased policing activity in these areas to address the issues and provide reassurance to those visiting and working there.
“The town centre-based team conduct Operation Sidewinder activities every month, making use of a drugs dog to target known hotspots and identify and prosecute those individuals concerned in the supply and use of drugs.
“The team also make use of the CCTV system and in conjunction with other colleagues conduct intelligence-led targeted operations to disrupt drugs activities.
“Working with partner agencies we also engage with those vulnerable individuals involved in drugs use, providing advice and intervention and signposting them to support organisations.”
The vow comes after Barnsley Council confirmed £300,000 has been allocated to continue CCTV cameras’ coverage and town centre wardens to continue the crime crackdown.
The aim is to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour, whilst also improving footfall and public confidence in council and police workers.
The scheme will start in April and be completed by September 2025.
A report said: “Barnsley Council has an extensive CCTV network across its town centre which is monitored by South Yorkshire Police.
“In addition to the town centre’s cameras, the council also has several re-deployable cameras and holds responsibility for the Glass Works’ CCTV system.
“We want to create a local, ad-hoc CCTV monitoring room within a council building which would allow the use of CCTV software to view all the above cameras.
“The main objective of the initiative is to improve public safety and perceptions of safety, specifically in the evening and at weekends in Barnsley town centre.
“It is evidenced that bad experiences of crime and antisocial behaviour deter people from coming into the town centre during the evening.”
As well as the current drug woes, vagrancy and persistent begging have been highlighted by the police, so patrols - from both police officers and the council’s street wardens - will also continue.
“Every week the police work alongside wardens, conducting joint patrols to enforce the town centre’s public space protection order (which prohibits antisocial behaviour and bans perpetrators from entering the area).
“This provides an opportunity for officers to engage with those persistent begging or rough sleeping, to highlight their behaviour and the impact this is having on the town centre, while also providing advice and signposting to various support agencies that are available.
“Teams conduct high-profile enforcement operations, but also make use of education and engagement opportunities working alongside the council and youth services in an effort to divert young people away from behaviour that causes alarm and distress to residents, visitors and workers within the town centre.”
