BARNSLEY’S district commander for policing has vowed to residents that more bobbies will be on the beat in the coming year - and has reflected on the force’s response to the riots in Manvers in August with officers still dealing with the long-standing effect of what happened that day.
Simon Wanless has praised his officers for their work across the town over the last year.
In particular, he praised officers for their work on vulnerable children and adults.( He said: “The last 12 months have been very successful for the Barnsley district.
“We have faced our challenges through the year, however, I am proud to say that officers and staff in Barnsley have met these challenges with the usual grit and determination that we have come to expect.
“We saw a strong start to 2024 - a district-wide operation was delivered with the aim of safeguarding the town’s most vulnerable people back in February. ( “In total, officers spoke to 86 children and seven adults who were identified as being vulnerable.
“Seven addresses were visited where officers believed residents could be at risk of cuckooing (where those involved in drug dealing use the address to carry out their deals and to store and move drugs) and two arrests were also made.”
He has also praised the force for their work during the riots at the Holiday Inn in Manvers on August 4.
He said that officers are still living with the after-effects of the day - both physically and mentally.
“The start of August also saw a significant number of our staff deployed to the disorder in Manvers where several officers from the district suffered physical injuries and are still living with the psychological effects from this day,” he added.
“I remain tremendously proud of the response of the whole district during this difficult time - from the frontline officers deployed to quell the violent disorder, to staff who came into work to backfill, as well as everybody else who stepped up to keep the district operating as usual despite the obvious challenges we faced.”
And he’s vowed to residents that a more visible policing presence is on the cards in 2025.
He added: “As we look to the future and what 2025 will bring, I want to stress the importance of partnership working and how we will continue to work closely with our partners throughout the year.
“We have a very strong relationship with local partners here in Barnsley and we know that working together can have a positive impact on the results we achieve.
“I also want to assure the residents of Barnsley that improving our presence throughout the area is something we will continue to develop as we head into 2025.
“Through our days of action last year, our officers have spoken to several members of the community where you have told us about the issues that matter the most to you.
“I want to thank you for your continued support and co-operation, and I encourage you to speak to officers when you see them out and about if you have any questions or concerns.
“It is clear that 2024 was a remarkable year for Barnsley, and I look forward to seeing what positive work and achievements come out of 2025.”
