ANTISOCIAL behaviour incidents in the town’s hotspot areas have reduced by almost a third since the introduction of new police tactics.

South Yorkshire Police has been conducting targeted patrols as part of a ‘Hotspot Response Policing Model’ - a Home Office problem-solving initiative which sees targeted evidence-based policing activity in key locations.

There are a total of six hotspot areas highlighted through the scheme - two in each of the Central and Dearne North wards, and one in both Stairfoot and Wombwell - which have been selected to receive additional patrols.

The Home Office programme has also funded additional resources including body worn cameras for security and door staff, ID scanners, improved security features such as increased lighting and CCTV to provide safer environments.

These plans have resulted in a recent decrease in antisocial behaviour by 28 per cent in all hotspots from when the hotspot patrols started in July 2023.

Chief Inspector John Mallows, force lead for antisocial behaviour, said: “We know our local communities are seeing the benefit in having more officers around their local areas, with residents feeding back directly to our officers about the difference they have seen.

“Anyone can become a victim of ASB, and we know that being a victim can have a really negative impact on people.

“It is really positive to see levels of ASB reduce in our hotspot areas, but we know that we must continue this dedication to reduce this even further and continue to provide support to our communities that experience these incidents.”