Four off-licences in Darfield, Wombwell and Goldthorpe failed a test-purchasing operation recently organised by Wombwell and Dearne Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT).

On Saturday 15 May, two underage volunteers entered five stores and were illegally sold alcohol in four. The offending stores were as follows:

• Co-op, Barnsley Road, Darfield
• Rhythm and Booze, Garden Street, Darfield
• Kings Road Convenience Store, Kings Road, Wombwell
• Goldthorpe Convenience Store, Goldthorpe

All received an £80 fine for the sale of alcohol to a person under the age of 18-years-old. Offending premises will be closed if they continue to sell alcohol to underage people.

Premier Stores, Snapehill Road, Darfield was the only store tested which passed.

Dearne SNT PC Stuart Leadbeater who led the operation said, “It was very disappointing to find that some premises are still not selling alcohol responsibly. It is clear there is a direct link between the use of alcohol amongst young people and problems with anti-social behaviour. We expect local shops to support our efforts to reduce anti social behaviour in the area, not encourage it.”

The operation was part of Wombwell SNT’s Operation Ballon, a multi-agency initiative tackle anti social behaviour on Snape Hill Road, Darfield, an area which has been a PACT (partners and communities together) priority since Christmas. Large groups of youngsters gather in the area, some of which are partaking in criminal damage, abusive language, noise, littering, underage drinking and general anti social behaviour.

Operation Ballon brought Wombwell SNT together with Youth Services, BMBC, Youth Offending Team and members of the public in a five-day operation run from 10 – 15 May.

• High visibility patrols were carried out to deter trouble, provide reassurance and respond quickly to any incidents.
• A camera van was placed at the junction of Snape Hill Road and Upperwood Road and members of the public were invited to speak with officers about their concerns.
• £20 of alcohol was seizedby SNT officers from underage individuals. 
• Five acceptable behavior contracts were issued to youngsterswho had been responsible for criminal or anti-social behavior within the PACT priority area. These contracts will last twelve months and any breaches may lead to further action by the police and local authority.
• One youth was issued with an £80 fine for insulting behavior and another reported on summons.
• Police seized a 4x4 vehicle being used anti-socially on the Inkerman field, following numerous complaints from the community regarding the driver’s behavior. The owner was charged £150 to have the vehicle returned.
• SNT and BMBC Youth Offending Team, engaged with the youngsters and suggested alternative social activities.
• A static dome camera has now been placed by BMBC Neighborhood Safety, outside of Premier Stores. This has camera has been focused on the shop front and nearby area, with the intention of preventing anti-social and criminal behavior.

Wombwell and Darfield SNT Inspector Alan Simpson said:"For too long, residents on Snape Hill Road, have had to endure anti-social behaviour.  Whilst young people need freedom to socialise, they must do so responsibly and without causing distress to others.

“Wombwell SNT will continue to be pro-active and look to resolve concerns at the earliest opportunity. There will be on-going plain clothed and visible operations that target issues of criminality in the Snape Hill Road area for as long as the problem persists.

“To do all this, we need support and information from the public. You don’t need to give your name and we do not expect you to be able to prove what you tell us - that is for the police to do.

“My aim is ensure that residents feel safe and secure in their homes and on the streets. The SNTs together with our partners will work to ensure this continues."    

To contact Wombwell SNT, please leave a message on the contact line and someone will get back to you, 01226 736408.