South Yorkshire Safer Neighbourhood Teams

Victim Support, along with other partners has produced a leaflet about their 'victim champion' scheme. Victim Support can help people suffering from anti -social behaviour and provide information and practical support where needed.

Download the leaflet

If you would like further information about the anti-social behaviour victim champion, please call: 01709 361 076.

South Yorkshire Police Authority are once again preparing to hit the road with their annual Community Engagement Roadshows.

There are five roadshows taking place at Barnsley, Meadowhall, Doncaster, Sheffield’s Winter Gardens and Rotherham, allowing the public to voice their opinions on a whole range of police issues such as neighbourhood policing and anti-social behaviour.

The roadshows follow on from the success of last year, which were attended by hundreds of people from the region.

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Research during the 2006 World Cup raised concerns about the potential for violent domestic incidents to increase during the tournament in 2010.

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A party for past and present West Bar Police Station staff led to a fantastic football story being revealed publicly for the first time as South Yorkshire Police colleagues reminisced about the old days.

The tale is from 1982 after Aston Villa FC won the European Cup.

The players had been celebrating at a pub in the West Midlands and, as the night wore on, the players had allegedly become more boisterous. A young man at the venue with his girlfriend took exception to their behaviour and asked them to show some respect for other customers. His request was allegedly met with more abuse. And so the man decided to play a prank on them. As no-one seemed to be paying attention to the European Cup, he decided to pick it up and see how far he could walk away with it before anyone noticed. He actually made it to his car and drove away, heading for Sheffield, a place he knew from his student days.

Once in Sheffield, he immediately rang police and asked if he could surrender himself and the coveted cup at West Bar, which he did – giving staff an unbelievable photo opportunity. The man was arrested on suspicion of theft and passed to West Midlands Police.

South Yorkshire Police’s first attempt to contact West Midlands Police was met with, "sorry, we can't talk, we have a major incident running," and they hung up. The major incident was the theft of the European Cup!

Royston Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) has been targeting scrap metal thieves in the area in a one-day multiagency operation.

On Wednesday 12 May, police working with Custom and Excise and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), visited the Carlton area, stopping motorists driving vans, trucks and other vehicles big enough to transport large goods such as metal.

The operation ran throughout the day and also involved a variety of traffic and vehicle related offences being observed for.

Police used automated number plate readers in their cars to display vehicles in the area that are linked to crimes and/or are uninsured.

Results are as follows:

• Customs and Excise tested for the use of red diesel and had three positive results where a fine of at least £500 was given depending on the size of the vehicle.
• VOSA examined vehicles for roadworthiness and prohibited 15 from moving until faults were rectified.
• Four vehicles were seized for having no insurance.
• 24 £80 fines were issued for a variety of offences including speeding, using a mobile phone at the wheel and not wearing a seatbelt.
• No one was found to be conveying scrap metal illegally.

PC Clare Sidaway said: “The operation was a success for all agencies involved. We didn’t retrieve any stolen metal this time however we will be carrying out similar operations like this in the future with the hope of doing so.

“Some people may believe not wearing a seatbelt and minor vehicle faults might not be serious but we disagree. Offences like these could prove very dangerous and police take all road and vehicle offences seriously. Offenders will be found sooner or later.”

Royston Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) has been targeting scrap metal thieves in the area in a one-day multiagency operation.

On Wednesday 12 May, police working with Custom and Excise and Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), visited the Carlton area, stopping motorists driving vans, trucks and other vehicles big enough to transport large goods such as metal.

The operation ran throughout the day and also involved a variety of traffic and vehicle related offences being observed for.

Police used automated number plate readers in their cars to display vehicles in the area that are linked to crimes and/or are uninsured.

Results are as follows:

• Customs and Excise tested for the use of red diesel and had three positive results where a fine of at least £500 was given depending on the size of the vehicle.
• VOSA examined vehicles for roadworthiness and prohibited 15 from moving until faults were rectified.
• Four vehicles were seized for having no insurance.
• 24 £80 fines were issued for a variety of offences including speeding, using a mobile phone at the wheel and not wearing a seatbelt.
• No one was found to be conveying scrap metal illegally.

PC Clare Sidaway said: “The operation was a success for all agencies involved. We didn’t retrieve any stolen metal this time however we will be carrying out similar operations like this in the future with the hope of doing so.

“Some people may believe not wearing a seatbelt and minor vehicle faults might not be serious but we disagree. Offences like these could prove very dangerous and police take all road and vehicle offences seriously. Offenders will be found sooner or later.”

Penistone Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) confiscated 10 bottles of alcohol from two 14-year-old females last week after they were found drinking in a local park.

On Friday 14 May, PCSOs were advised of the duo by a member of the public who saw them drinking in Penistone Skate Park, off Penistone Avenue.

When police arrived they found the girls holding a bottle of Stella and a bottle of cider.

Both girls had their alcohol seized and were advised of the law around underage drinking and the effects it can have on the community including how it can intimidate people, lead to violence and other anti social behaviour. They also received anti social behaviour letters which were given directly to parents by police, explaining the activities their children had been involved in.

PCSO Joanne Weatherall said: “The skate park is a PACT (partners and communities together) priority so we will continue to focus our efforts there to help eradicate misuse of the site. Young people need to be aware that underage drinking and other anti social behaviour will not be tolerated by police.”

Penistone Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) confiscated 10 bottles of alcohol from two 14-year-old females last week after they were found drinking in a local park.

On Friday 14 May, PCSOs were advised of the duo by a member of the public who saw them drinking in Penistone Skate Park, off Penistone Avenue.

When police arrived they found the girls holding a bottle of Stella and a bottle of cider.

Both girls had their alcohol seized and were advised of the law around underage drinking and the effects it can have on the community including how it can intimidate people, lead to violence and other anti social behaviour. They also received anti social behaviour letters which were given directly to parents by police, explaining the activities their children had been involved in.

PCSO Joanne Weatherall said: “The skate park is a PACT (partners and communities together) priority so we will continue to focus our efforts there to help eradicate misuse of the site. Young people need to be aware that underage drinking and other anti social behaviour will not be tolerated by police.”

A PCSO from Town and Kingstone Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) spent a morning last week with a new mother and baby group to introduce herself as a source of support.

PCSO Leanne Cooper-Goodall visited the Cheeky Monkeys atSalem Wesleyan Reform Church, Blucher Street on Friday 14 May.

PCSO Cooper-Goodall said: “It is the role of the PCSO to spend time integrated in the community, meeting and engaging with the public to offer support and reassurance.

“I visited to introduce myself to the mums, some of which are foreign nationals. It is important that they are aware of who I am, what I do and how I can help them and their babies stay safe in the community.”

A PCSO from Town and Kingstone Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) spent a morning last week with a new mother and baby group to introduce herself as a source of support.

PCSO Leanne Cooper-Goodall visited the Cheeky Monkeys atSalem Wesleyan Reform Church, Blucher Street on Friday 14 May.

PCSO Cooper-Goodall said: “It is the role of the PCSO to spend time integrated in the community, meeting and engaging with the public to offer support and reassurance.

“I visited to introduce myself to the mums, some of which are foreign nationals. It is important that they are aware of who I am, what I do and how I can help them and their babies stay safe in the community.”

Darton Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) is working with children from junior schools in the area to tackle speeding with the help of ‘Smiley SID’.

The SNT will display the speed indication device (SID) in areas outside of schools where some complaints have been made to police of motorists exceeding the speed limit.

Junior schools involved include:

• Barugh Green Primary, Higham Common Road
• Mapplewell Primary, Greenside Avenue
• Darton Primary, Station Road
• Kexborough Primary, Ballfield Lane
• Gawber Primary, Church Street
• Wellgate Primary, George Street

When motorists pass the sites, SID will display either a smiley face indicating the driver is within the  limit or a sad face meaning they are over it. Anyone caught over the limit will be stopped by police and handed a speed awareness leaflet by pupils, stressing the fact that such areas are regularly occupied by children.

Although the issue has not been highlighted as a PACT (partners and communities together) priority by residents, the on-going operation is being used as a preventative measure to deter potential offenders whilst also teaching children the dangers of speeding.

PCSO Supervisor Emma Glover said: “The children enjoy having the opportunity to advise drivers about their speed and the effect it has upon the safety of the area.

“No children were killed on any South Yorkshire roads in 2009 and I believe that is thanks to operations and initiatives like this one which educate children about road safety from an early age. “

Darton Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) is working with children from junior schools in the area to tackle speeding with the help of ‘Smiley SID’.

The SNT will display the speed indication device (SID) in areas outside of schools where some complaints have been made to police of motorists exceeding the speed limit.

Junior schools involved include:

• Barugh Green Primary, Higham Common Road
• Mapplewell Primary, Greenside Avenue
• Darton Primary, Station Road
• Kexborough Primary, Ballfield Lane
• Gawber Primary, Church Street
• Wellgate Primary, George Street

When motorists pass the sites, SID will display either a smiley face indicating the driver is within the  limit or a sad face meaning they are over it. Anyone caught over the limit will be stopped by police and handed a speed awareness leaflet by pupils, stressing the fact that such areas are regularly occupied by children.

Although the issue has not been highlighted as a PACT (partners and communities together) priority by residents, the on-going operation is being used as a preventative measure to deter potential offenders whilst also teaching children the dangers of speeding.

PCSO Supervisor Emma Glover said: “The children enjoy having the opportunity to advise drivers about their speed and the effect it has upon the safety of the area.

“No children were killed on any South Yorkshire roads in 2009 and I believe that is thanks to operations and initiatives like this one which educate children about road safety from an early age. “

Police have been working in partnership with Travel South Yorkshire to tackle fare evasion on buses in Barnsley.

On Thursday 13 May, Kendray Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) joined ticket inspectors to conduct checks on buses going in and out of Barnsley via Doncaster Road at Stairfoot.

The purpose of the checks was to deter and catch fare evaders as well as other related offences including deception (the creation of counterfeit tickets), possession of drugs and general disorderly behaviour.

Two ‘checkpoints’ were set up on Doncaster Road, one on each side of the road to meet buses coming from opposite directions. Buses were then asked to stop so the checks could take place.

Any passenger found to be travelling without paying the correct fare were asked to pay the full amount or vacate the bus.

In total, the number of buses travelling into Barnsley was 35, with 451 passenger’s tickets being checked. Reassuringly, only one boy had to be dealt with by having his damaged and unreadable Mi Card confiscated.

29 buses travelled out of Barnsley and 359 tickets were checked. Four were found to have under paid their fare and as a result were asked to vacate the bus.

PCSO Lisa Lloyd said: “We hope the operation provides reassurance to those who use public transport and illustrates that we are tackling fare evasion. Buses should be a safe and lawful mode of transport which is something we want to maintain. More monthly joint inspections are planned for the near future. “

Police have been working in partnership with Travel South Yorkshire to tackle fare evasion on buses in Barnsley.

On Thursday 13 May, Kendray Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) joined ticket inspectors to conduct checks on buses going in and out of Barnsley via Doncaster Road at Stairfoot.

The purpose of the checks was to deter and catch fare evaders as well as other related offences including deception (the creation of counterfeit tickets), possession of drugs and general disorderly behaviour.

Two ‘checkpoints’ were set up on Doncaster Road, one on each side of the road to meet buses coming from opposite directions. Buses were then asked to stop so the checks could take place.

Any passenger found to be travelling without paying the correct fare were asked to pay the full amount or vacate the bus.

In total, the number of buses travelling into Barnsley was 35, with 451 passenger’s tickets being checked. Reassuringly, only one boy had to be dealt with by having his damaged and unreadable Mi Card confiscated.

29 buses travelled out of Barnsley and 359 tickets were checked. Four were found to have under paid their fare and as a result were asked to vacate the bus.

PCSO Lisa Lloyd said: “We hope the operation provides reassurance to those who use public transport and illustrates that we are tackling fare evasion. Buses should be a safe and lawful mode of transport which is something we want to maintain. More monthly joint inspections are planned for the near future. “

Hoyland Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) worked with children from Jump Primary School, Roebuck Hill, to tackle speeding with the help of ‘Smiley SID’.

Members of the school council made up of two pupils from each year were worried about the issue of speeding in the area and the dangers it posed for them and their peers. They highlighted their concerns to PCSO Dean Hamer who attends their school once a week.

On Tuesday 18 May, PCSO Hamer arranged for the children to voluntarily take part in the road safety operation where a speed indication device (SID) was placed outside of the school on Roebuck Hill.

When motorists passed the site, SID displayed either a smiley face indicating the driver was within the 30 mph limit or a sad face meaning they were over it. Anyone caught over the limit was stopped by police and drivers were spoken to by the children who explained how they wanted their school roads to safe and free from dangerous driving. As well as catching offenders, the operation was to deter potential speeders whilst teaching children the dangers of speeding.

Approximately 100 vehicles passed through the site and 22 were found to be over the speed limit.

PC Hamer said: “One woman stopped got very upset after being spoken to by the children. She said she has children herself and was ashamed of herself.

“Unbelievably, another speeding driver stopped was even the father of one of the children involved in the operation.”

“Some people need to realise that speeding is wrong full stop, particularly around schools where the lives of such vulnerable and innocent people are at risk.”

Hoyland Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) worked with children from Jump Primary School, Roebuck Hill, to tackle speeding with the help of ‘Smiley SID’.

Members of the school council made up of two pupils from each year were worried about the issue of speeding in the area and the dangers it posed for them and their peers. They highlighted their concerns to PCSO Dean Hamer who attends their school once a week.

On Tuesday 18 May, PCSO Hamer arranged for the children to voluntarily take part in the road safety operation where a speed indication device (SID) was placed outside of the school on Roebuck Hill.

When motorists passed the site, SID displayed either a smiley face indicating the driver was within the 30 mph limit or a sad face meaning they were over it. Anyone caught over the limit was stopped by police and drivers were spoken to by the children who explained how they wanted their school roads to safe and free from dangerous driving. As well as catching offenders, the operation was to deter potential speeders whilst teaching children the dangers of speeding.

Approximately 100 vehicles passed through the site and 22 were found to be over the speed limit.

PC Hamer said: “One woman stopped got very upset after being spoken to by the children. She said she has children herself and was ashamed of herself.

“Unbelievably, another speeding driver stopped was even the father of one of the children involved in the operation.”

“Some people need to realise that speeding is wrong full stop, particularly around schools where the lives of such vulnerable and innocent people are at risk.”

Throughout April and May, Hoyland Safer Neighbourhood Tearm (SNT) has been running an operation to target off-road biking on streets, woods, private and other public land.

Various locations throughout Barnsley are being used, particularly playing fields in Jump and farmer’s fields in Hoyland. Such activities have caused considerable damage to the landscape as well as creating a nuisance for locals.

In the last week, four off-road bikes were seized by the SNT after continued efforts to enforce a ‘zero tolerance’ message.  Offenders caught for the first time will be issued with a warning that is valid for 12 months. If he/she is caught riding again within the following year, he/she will have their bike seized. It costs £150 to recover a seized bike and £20 a day for storage.

The SNT will continue to carry out high visibility patrols throughout the area to deter and catch offenders and will respond quickly to any information provided by members of the public.

PC Paul Davies, of the Hoyland SNT, said: “Illegal biking is a problem for police in Barnsley because riders pose a great danger to other road users, pedestrians and also themselves.

“Anyone who does think of purchasing an off-road or quad bike needs to ensure it is registered, taxed and insured and where it can be ridden legally and safely. There are no legally designated sites in Barnsley. A landowner must give direct permission for bikers to legally use their land.”