South Yorkshire Safer Neighbourhood Teams

Crystal peaks shopping centre has been rewarded for its safe and secure parking. 

The nationwide Park Mark initiative rewards car parks that police consider a safe environment for drivers.

The award was presented to Crystal Peaks centre manager, Lee Greenwood, by Detective Chief Inspector Tom Whiteley, of South Yorkshire Police.

Mr Greenwood said: “We are so pleased to have been awarded this Park Mark for our safe and secure car parks. It is imperative that we continue to offer our shoppers a protected and safe environment when they visit.”

The centre has 2,000 spaces spread across six car parks, including the retail park.

CCTV and regular patrols by centre staff helped the centre receive this accolade.

Parking areas are also monitored by dedicated Crystal Peaks officer PC Daniel Garside, of the Woodhouse and Mosborough safer Neighbourhood Team.

South Yorkshire Police has been rated as one of four of the most improved forces in the country for performance during the last year (to September, 2009) by Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC).

The inspection also found that the Force was showing the greatest prospect for improvement for 2010.

The results come at a time when many categories of recorded crime are at historically low county levels, particularly house burglaries (the lowest for 27 years), theft of vehicles (lowest for 34 years) and theft from vehicles (lowest for 23 years).
“It’s very pleasing to see that the HMIC has highlighted these improvements but we recognise that our hard work does not stop here,” said Deputy Chief Constable Bob Dyson.
“We want to provide the best service that we can by making sure that we listen to what people tell us and take action wherever possible.


The independent assessment, contained in a ‘Police Report Card’, will be available on the HMIC’s website MyPolice.org.uk and informs local communities about how their force is serving the public.

Comparisons were made between similar forces on local crime and policing, protection from serious harm, confidence and satisfaction and value for money. South Yorkshire Police was rated as ‘fair’ in each of the first three categories with the provision of these services costing communities less than the national average.

In South Yorkshire the level of crime continues to fall and has resulted in over 43,000 fewer victims during the last three calendar years (2006 to 2009).

The assessment also shows that South Yorkshire Police has been graded as ‘good’ for solving crime with a higher rate of detections than in previous years.
“The public are reporting an increasing level of confidence in the Force and the work that it is doing with partners, while victims of crime are reporting increased satisfaction in the quality of the service that they have received,” added Mr. Dyson.

“Residents’ perceptions on such issues as the levels of antisocial behaviour they experience is showing that local people are reporting an improvement in those issues that affect their quality of life, which are a key focus for our safer neighbourhood teams.

“The improvements we have made in recent years provides evidence to our commitment to the public. For example, criminal damage has been reduced by 33% over the last three years (since 2006). However, we do recognise that people’s expectations continue to rise and that there is a need to continue to reduce crime and to continue to improve the service we provide. The Local Policing Plan for 2010 - 2013 includes a number of stretching targets agreed with South Yorkshire Police Authority that will be the focus of our work in the years ahead.

“ Despite significant crime reductions the public’s fear of crime has not fallen by the same levels. We have more work to do to increase confidence so that perceptions of becoming a victim match reality.”

Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice is looking forward to a cash boost thanks to marathon runner PC Daniel Garside.

PC Garside, of the Woodhouse and Mosborough Safer Neighbourhood Team, is currently training for the Sheffield Half Marathon on Sunday 25 April.

PC Garside is the dedicated officer for Crystal Peaks, which has also chosen Bluebell Wood as its dedicated charity for 2010.

He said: “As centre officer for Crystal Peaks and as a member of the Woodhouse and Mosborough Safer Neighbourhood Team, I am keen to promote our link to Bluebell Wood.

“I also think the support and help provided by Bluebell Wood to both parents and poorly children shows that it is one of the country’s most worthwhile charities.

“The challenge and hard work entailed in preparing to this marathon is nothing compared to what those families have to endure. I am proud to represent the charity by running this race.

“I’m hoping retailers and shoppers at Crystal Peaks will dig deep and help me raise as much money as possible.”

PC Garside has been pulling on his running shoes in his spare time to run up to 30 miles per week in preparation for the race.

Runners will begin the gruelling route at the Don Valley Stadium and then head along Brightside Lane, Princess Street, Effingham Street, along Furnival Road into Sheffield city centre, down past Sheffield United Football Club, Alderson Road and Ecclessal Road and back towards the Don Valley Stadium for the finish line.

PC Garside has raised £140 of his £500 target amount so far.

The 13.1-mile half-marathon is one of the biggest participation events in Sheffield’s sporting calendar, with city centre landmarks and roads lined with enthusiastic spectators to support elite, club and fun runners.

The event is also host to the Yorkshire Half Marathon Championships and the South Yorkshire Half Marathon Championships.

More than £600,000 has been raised for charity during the event’s 29 year history.

Chief executive of Bluebell Wood, Sarah Champion, said the hospice needs £2.5 million every year to provide care to children with life-limiting illnesses.

“It’s fantastic that PC Dan Garside will be running the Sheffield Half Marathon for us.

“With no statutory government funding, our charity relies on the generosity of the public and people like PC Garside who care enough to get involved.

“We are behind him and all his fellow runners 100 percent and wish them the very best of luck in the Sheffield Half Marathon.”

 You can help PC Garside reach his £500 target by sponsoring him via www.justgiving.com/Dan-Garside.  

You can also log onto www.bluebellwood.org for PC Garside’s training diary.

For more information about The Sheffield Half marathon log onto www.sheffieldmarathon.com.

Dearne Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) seized cannabis plants worth over £3000 from an address on Norman Street, Thurnscoe on Thursday 4 March.

A 58-year-old male was arrested for cultivating cannabis and extracting electricity. He has been released on bail until May.

PC Steve Bray said: “We act on all information passed to us from members of the public. I would invite anyone who believes their neighbours may be growing cannabis to contact police immediately.”

To contact Dearne SNT, leave a message on the contact line and someone will get back to you, 01709 832138.

Police are appealing for information after a robbery occurred on the junction of Manor Road and Barnsley Road, Cudworth on 15 February at approximately 1.45pm.

A 12-year-old girl was pushed to the ground and her mobile phone was stolen.

The offender is described as male, between 15-17 years old, brown hair with spiked red tips. He was wearing a dark coloured Bench jacket with a red hooded top underneath and a pair of blue jeans.

Police are asking anyone with information on this incident to call them on 01226 736030 and quote BX 58.

17-year-old Ashley Greatorex from Monk Bretton may look and act like your average student; socialising with friends and fishing in his spare time, but as well as that, the Barnsley College pupil also helps promote the law as a police cadet for South Yorkshire Police.

Ashley, who is in his first year of a Public Services National Diploma, joined the Force as a cadet back in September 2008. Knowing that he wanted to work for the police in his later career, he became a cadet to gain experience and give him a better chance of achieving his dream job; an officer within the Armed Response Team.

Dearne Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) has been helping Ashley achieve this goal by allowing him to spend a couple of days within the SNT, shadowing Children and Young Person Officer Steve Maddock.

PC Maddock demonstrated how the SNT incorporate policing in schools to proactively promote safety messages and deal with any incidents of criminal activity which may arise involving students.

On previous cadet days, Ashley has been introduced to the South Yorkshire Police Mounted Section, dog handlers and met a police self defence expert where he was shown basic techniques of how an officer maintains their safety in confrontational situations.

Cadet Ashley Greatorex said: “The police cadet course is a stepping stone for me to achieve my dream career. I have really enjoyed the opportunities I have had so far and the experience I have gained along with my fellow cadets and I’m sure they’ll be many more to come. I would recommend the course to anyone interested in joining the police service.”

Recruitment for September 2010 police cadets will take place shortly and anyone aged between 16-17 years is welcome to apply.

Exact dates have not yet been set but please keep visiting www.southyorkshire.police.uk then ‘cadets’ for updates.

Royston Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) arrested two men believed to be in the middle of an attempted burglary on Friday 19February on Kirkstall Road, New Lodge.

When a member of the public called to say they believed two males were attempting to break into an address on the road, PC Howard Rhodes was quick on the scene.

He found the two local males aged 18 and 14, about 100 metres away from the address in question. PC Rhodes searched the two males and found that one was carrying a crow bar and the other a hammer.

A search of a derelict, council property on the road proved that the shutters of the address had been attacked by some sort of instrument and entry had been attempted but not gained.

Both were arrested for attempted burglary and given cautions as it was their first offence.

 PC Howard Rhodes said: “We will keep these individuals on police record and will receive tough penalties, possibly including imprisonment, if found to be involved in similar activities again. The arrests may not have been possible without the information passed to us by a member of the public. I encourage everyone to contact police immediately if they see or hear something suspicious happen in their area. “

To contact Royston SNT, leave a message on the contact line and someone will get back to you: 01226 736361.

Police are asking the public to be vigilant after a number of reports have been made involving companies cold calling via the telephone, trying to sell alarms under the assertion that it is ‘Crime Prevention Week’ and that they work for South Yorkshire Police, both of which are false.

Although it is believed these companies are legit, there are a number who call residents and use high-pressure sales techniques and lies in order to force a sale.

Chris Squires Crime Reduction said: “If you are not entirely satisfied with the legitimacy of the caller, ask for their contact details and tell them you will call them back in an hour once you have had time to do some research. The Crime Reduction department of the police are always more than happy to advise on such a situation.”

Burglars who trick their way into houses and target the elderly and vulnerable are the targets of a national police campaign that starts on Friday 5 March 2010.

"Not Sure?… Don’t Open The Door" is the message at the heart of Operation Liberal’s public awareness campaign against distraction burglars.  The campaign, sponsored by the Energy Retail Association (ERA), aims to make people aware of the tactics used by distraction burglars and how they can prevent themselves from becoming potential victims.

A distraction burglary is defined as where one or more offenders trick or distract an occupant in order to gain entry to the premises before committing burglary. Deputy Chief Constable Peter Goodman, who is Association of Chief Police Officer’s Lead for Operation Liberal said:  “This type of crime is despicable; victims of distraction burglary can suffer terribly both emotionally and physically. When you consider the average age of a victim is 81-years-old, you can understand why many suffer a decline in health afterwards and why it can seriously affect their trust and faith in people afterwards.

“In 2009 between 1 Jan and 31 Dec there were 8,057 distraction burglary offences reported to police across England and Wales, which shows a 13% reduction compared with 9223 reported offences during 2008.This campaign aims to reduce the number of potential victims further still, ensuring the public are equipped with crime prevention advice. ”

All police forces in England, Wales and Northern Ireland co-ordinate the investigation of distraction burglaries through Operation Liberal, which is a national unit that analyses intelligence and maintains a database of crimes, offenders, vehicles, forensic information and images. This collaborative approach solves more crimes and leads to heavier sentences for criminals.  Operation Liberal works with many partner agencies including the Home Office, Water UK, Trading Standards, Crimestoppers and the Energy Retail Association who represent Great Britain’s major electricity and gas suppliers.

As part of this new awareness campaign, 2,500 posters will be distributed across South Yorkshire warning elderly and vulnerable people to be aware of distraction burglars so that they can be ready to protect themselves if they are targeted.  Featuring four elderly models and depicting commonly used methods of distraction burglary, the posters will be placed at hearts of communities such as Post Offices, doctors' surgeries, places of worship, community centres, bingo halls, charity shops, newsagents and hospitals.

SmartWater property marking kits are being distributed to residents across the county to help people get their property back should it be stolen, and in distributing these kits, officers are also able to give crime reduction advice to residents and advise them on how to spot a distraction burglar.

Chief Inspector Craig Robinson, South Yorkshire Police’s lead on distraction burglary said: “As well as the crime prevention and awareness campaign, South Yorkshire Police are also cracking down on the criminals in various local initiatives across the county. Covert operations have already been targeting distraction burglars, leading to a number of arrests so far, and linking the offenders to numbers of crimes each.

“We’ve also linked in with the Regional Roads Policing Team to tackle those offenders who travel across county borders. This national Operation Liberal gives us the opportunity to make a big impact on a crime which we know deeply affects victims in an emotional as well as financial way, and we want to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Crime prevention tips:

• If you’re not sure who is at your door, don’t open it. Check the identity of the caller by calling the company they are purporting to be from i.e. Police, Council or Gas, Electricity, Water companies. Use the telephone numbers listed in your local directory or provided independently by your service provider. Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller, as they may be bogus.
• Many utility service providers like gas, electricity and water, provide password schemes for customers, sign up to these. When unannounced callers claiming to be from these utility providers call at your door they should know the password if they are genuine.
• ‘Water Boards’ no longer exist, it is an obsolete phrase used only by bogus callers.
• Don’t keep large quantities of cash at home, put it in the bank where it is safe.
• Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times.
• Ensure that if you do let somebody in to your home, that you close the door behind them – distraction burglars often work in teams, where one will distract you whilst others sneak in through the insecure door.
• If somebody asks for your help (i.e. needs to make a telephone call, lost a ball in your garden, needs a drink or pen and paper) refer them to a younger neighbour or assist them through a closed door or call a friend or neighbour to come and help.
• If you suspect a bogus caller is at your door call the police immediately.

Energy Retail Association:

By calling the Home Heat Helpline free on 0800 33 66 99, elderly residents can ask about joining their energy supplier’s Priority Service Register, and sign up to the Password Scheme which will help households identify legitimate visitors from their energy supplier.

The Energy Retail Association works closely with government, charities and other organisations to ensure a co-ordinated approach to dealing with industry and consumer issues including tackling fuel poverty and protecting vulnerable customers, energy efficiency and ensuring good sales practice through the Energy Sure Code.

The Energy Retail Association (ERA), formed in 2003, represents the major electricity and gas suppliers in the domestic market in Great Britain. All the main energy suppliers operating in the residential market in Great Britain are members of the association – British Gas, EDF Energy, E.ON, Npower, Scottish Power, and Scottish and Southern Energy.

The Energy Sure Code of Practice is the industry’s way of helping consumer confidence at the doorstep. All the major energy suppliers in Britain have signed up to the Code, which exceeds the standards of consumer protection currently required by law and aims to promote consumer confidence.

The Home Heat Helpline is a free number – 0800 33 66 99 – providing vulnerable customers with a direct link to specialist teams at their energy supplier, who can deliver one or more of the following services:

• The Priority Service Register which provides extra services for people who are elderly or disabled including bills in large text or Braille, security passwords and an annual gas safety check
• Grants for free home insulation
• Flexible payment options for customers in fuel debt
• Benefits entitlement checks
• The disconnection safety net is also in place to ensure that no vulnerable customer will be cut off even if they are unable to pay their bill.

The Home Heat Helpline is managed by the Energy Retail Association and paid for by contributions from Britain’s major energy suppliers.

For furter information about the Energy Retail Association visit www.energy-retail.org.uk

Officers from Wentworth North Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) have provided the young people of Swinton Community School with a bike security marking opportunity.

Using the latest in chemical marking technology, PC Craig White and PCSO Neil Entwistle set-up a drop-in service on Tuesday 2nd March within the school grounds and encouraged the school children to bring in their bikes and have them marked and registered completely free of charge.

The teenagers participating in the scheme will receive a log-book (similar to a log-book of a vehicle) which will contain registered details about their bikes, including who the owner is and where they live.

PC Craig White said: “The idea behind the scheme is to dramatically improve the chances of an owner getting their bike back if it is stolen and then recovered by the police.

“By promoting this work, it also provides a visible deterrent to thieves who may think that once a bike it stolen it cannot be traced back to its owner."

100 bike security kits were purchased using funding awarded to the SNT for local projects. At Swinton Community School, 24 bikes were security marked and registered. Further bike security drop-in days at other schools in the Wentworth North area are planned.

To find out more about your SNT and what they are doing in your local area, visit: www.southyorks.police.uk and enter your postcode.
 

Today saw the first meeting of South Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Meredydd Hughes and the newly-created Hillsborough Independent Panel.

The panel, appointed to help oversee the release of files on the Hillsborough disaster, came to Sheffield after its first meeting in Liverpool last month. 

Following today's session, Chief Constable Hughes commented: “It was encouraging to meet the Hillsborough Independent Panel here in Sheffield. The members were keen to ensure that it is well understood by all that they are not a new enquiry into the disaster.

“I was pleased to have the opportunity to brief them on the work already carried out by South Yorkshire Police and our local partners.

“Since March last year we have all been steadily bringing together our remaining files and documents to ensure the archives here in Sheffield are as complete as possible.

“The establishment of the panel; the recruitment of the archivists and the growing recognition of the scale of this undertaking, both locally and nationally, means that interested parties and the public generally are gaining an insight as to just how long this process will take.

“We will create a public archive of documents for the historians of the future as well as the stakeholders of today – all of whom will be able to judge the events of Hillsborough for themselves.”

Kendray and Worsbrough SNT seized eight large cannabis plants on the afternoon of 4 February from an address on Conway Street, Stairfoot after neighbours complained of a strong smell coming from the property.

A 30-year-old male from the address was arrested for cultivating cannabis and illegally abstracting electricity and has been bailed until 8 April.

PC Nick Redfearn said: “We have received positive feedback from residents in the area who have thanked us for finding the source of the smell which has upset them for many months. We will continue to target those who use, cultivate and sell drugs in our area to maintain a safe and peaceful community.”

Police and students joined forces for a charity football match to boost funds for the Haiti Appeal.

Pupils at Wisewood School and Community Sports College challenged officers from Hillsborough Safer Neighbourhood Team to the five-aside match in January 2010.

PCSO Reade Malone, PCSO Craig Blackburn, PCSO Raynor, PCSO Mick Flanagan and PCSO supervisor Daran Hill competed against the year 11 scholars in their own time.

Dozens of students turned out to cheer both teams and donate cash to the cause.

PC John Barton, Children and Young Persons Officer, said: “The police took an early lead courtesy of Mick Flanagan, but regretfully this only upset the scholars for a short time and they raced into a 5-1 half-time lead.

“When the second half kicked off the older (and wiser) legs had learnt about their opposition and made the students work for any further advantage. Police staff lost the second half 2-1.

“Activities like this can only benefit the community as a whole.”

The charity match raised £56,00 for the Haiti Appeal.

Dearne Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) successfully assisted in the imprisonment of Raymond Dodds, 43 from Washington Road, Goldthorpe after finding over £46,000 worth of amphetamine at his address in March 2009, one of the largest seizures of the drug ever found in Barnsley.

On Wednesday 24 February 2010, Dodds appeared at Sheffield Crown Court where he was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for possession with intent to supply.

Acting Sergeant Jayne Morriss said:“This was a very large seizure resulting in imprisonment and a significant amount of drugs being taken off our streets. We will continue to target dealers and all those involved in drug activities. We regularly act upon information passed to us from members of the public and urge anyone who believes they can help us to get in touch.”

To provide information or to speak to Dearne SNT about any local issue, please call 01709 832138.

Darton and Dodworth Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) will be attending the next ‘Be Safe’ event on Saturday 13 March between 11am and 2pm at Greenacre School, Keresforth Hill Road, Barnsley.

They will be discussing with attendees ways in which they can improve their safety in the community and how they can implement crime prevention techniques into their every day lives.

PCSO Steve Jones said: “Although crime in Barnsley is at its lowest in 21 years, people should still be aware of their own personal safety and make proactive efforts to improve it. Anyone is welcome to attend and we are hoping that as many people as possible take advantage of the event and turn up on the day.”

Cudworth Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) has been cracking down on thieves who have been stealing wheelie bins belonging to local residents and setting them alight on land next to Cudworth Bypass, to the rear of the Welfare Park.

The SNT has been speaking to young people found to be socialising on or near to the land and have increased the amount of patrol time their PCSOs spend in the area.

As well as complaints of stolen bins, residents have expressed concerns of the amount of rubbish and debris found in the area. As a result, BMBC recently organised for the site to be cleaned up.

PCSO Supervisor Lee Lucas said: “Police are taking this problem very seriously and will deal firmly with anyone who is found to be in possession of a stolen bin. This is not only an illegal activity, it is a dangerous one and we will do all we can to ensure the issue is resolved.”

Police are warning the public to be vigilant of companies who cold call and use high pressure techniques to sell their products or services, often resulting in recipients feeling forced into purchase.

DC Mark Griffiths said: “Although these are legitimate companies, they are effectively forcing people into parting with their money and unfortunately it tends to be the vulnerable who are left feeling intimidated into buying. We would advise everyone to think carefully before they buy from a cold caller or better still, ask for their details and call them back after thorough consideration.”

Police are investigating a burglary which occurred at approximately 5am on Monday 22 February at Angel House, Angel Street, Bolton-upon-Dearne.

The intruder smashed the ground floor, rear window to gain entry. 

An empty till was stolen worth £100 and £170 worth of damage was caused to the smashed window.

If you have any information on this crime, please contact police on 736030 and quote BX 46/2010

Cudworth Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) are warning motorists that £80 fines are imminent for those who continue to park their vehicles on the double yellow lines and footpath outside of Sainsbury’s, Two Gates Way, Shafton.

Despite a car park available at the rear of the store, local residents are still reporting that many drivers are continuing to park on the footpath, causing an obstruction for other drivers who try to get past.

BMBC recently painted double yellow lines in the area to stop motorists from parking on the road. However, since then some vehicles are now being parked on the footpath making it difficult for wheelchairs and prams to get by, sometimes meaning that residents are forced to walk on the road.

In the last two weeks, five people have been given a £30 fine for causing an obstruction and police warn that other motorists could even face an £80 fine if they park in a dangerous manner.

 PCSO Supervisor Lee Lucas said: “Cudworth SNT will continue to deal with drivers who cause obstruction or park in a dangerous manner particularly around the Two Gates Way area. The activity is unnecessary as there is a designated car park behind the store, specifically made for Sainsbury’s customers.”

Hoyland and Wombwell Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) have joined forces to address the issue of large groups of teenagers who regularly congregate on Snape Hill Road, Darfield after it was raised as a PACT (partners and communities together) priority by members of the community.

Some of the youngsters have been partaking in underage drinking and carrying out acts of antisocial behaviour.

Members of both SNTs have been visiting the location every Friday evening from 5pm onwards to deter young people from using bus stops and shops doorways on the street as hang-outs and to deal with anyone who is found to be causing trouble or nuisance.

As well as regular foot patrols, letters have also been hand delivered by PCSOs to residents on Snape Hill Road and the surrounding streets, encouraging them to ring the SNT contact line with any information regarding incidents of antisocial behaviour. 

Police have also been advising local shopkeepers of the laws around selling alcohol to minors.

 PCSO Supervisor Alan Fowler said: “We want to reassure residents that we are aware that there is an issue in this area which is causing a lot of distress to some residents. We are dedicated to tackling this issue and we have and will continue to focus policing efforts around the Snape Hill Road area until the issue considerably improves.”