Police in Barnsley have arrested two men during a multi-agency operation to ensure crime is eradicated and pride restored on a street in Hoyland.

In October 2009 a week-long blitz was carried out at Welland Crescent in Elsecar, Hoyland, Barnsley.

Officers and partner agencies returned to the street on Wednesday 21 April and Thursday 22 April 2010 to ensure the good work carried out to rid the area of crime, litter, fly-tipping, antisocial behaviour and arson has been maintained.

PC Paul Davies, of the Hoyland Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT), led the operation of behalf of South Yorkshire Police.

He said: “The problems of Welland Crescent were not completely resolved in October, but the blitz showed a commitment by police and partner agencies to tackle the issues.  Results from the operation show how effective a short-term blitz can be in cleaning up an area and tackling criminal activity.

“But we now need a commitment from residents on Welland Crescent to tackle the environmental issues and crime that cause problems for the community.

 “We are trying to instill pride in the community. We will be taking a zero-tolerance approach to crime on Welland Crescent.”

During April’s operation, two men were arrested, one on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs. The second male was arrested on suspicion of theft. Police also searched two properties on Welland Crescent for drugs.

The operation would not have been a success without the SNT and partners joining forces.

Gas and electricity companies carried out safety checks, ensuring that eight electricity metres were safe, one meter was disconnected and two metres changed.

The Department of Work and Pensions investigated any fraudulent benefit claims and visited residents that had previously caused concern. This resulted in 35 benefit statements taken, four benefit accounts suspended and three are now under investigation.

The council’s dog warden visited households with problem pets and removed two dogs from the street.

Sheffield City Council’s Environmental Regulatory Unit targeted gardens still in a poor state. Communal areas were cleared of about three tonnes of waste thanks to Community Payback offenders.

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue provided fire prevention advice and received 29 referrals for smoke alarms.

The Children and Young Person’s Officer and Education Welfare Officers also targeted youngsters truanting from school. Officers found just one child truanting.

The SNT also carried out high visibility patrols to reassure residents.

Since the first operation in October 2009, recorded crime is down by 43 per cent. The number of incidents reported to police is also down 58 per cent.