Barnsley Central

Drug related activity has been identified by you as a concern within the Town Centre, with known hotspot areas for both users and dealers. You said you would like to see increased Policing activity in these areas to address the issues and provide reassurance to those visiting and working within the Town Centre.

The Town Centre Team conduct Op Sidewinder Operations every month, making use of a passive drugs dog to target known hot spots and identify and prosecute those individuals concerned in the supply and use of drugs. The Team also make use of the CCTV system within the Town Centre, and in conjunction with other colleagues conduct intelligence led targeted Operations to disrupt drugs activities. Working with partner agencies we also engage with those vulnerable individuals involved in drugs use, providing advice and intervention and signposting them to support organisation.

Anti-Social behaviour, vagrancy and persistent begging have been highlighted by you as issues within the Town Centre. Some of those involved are vulnerable or have other personal or social needs that the Police and partners such as Barnsley Council and Youth Services could assist with.

Every week the Police work alongside Council Street Wardens conducting joint patrols to enforce the Town Centre Public Space Protection Order. This provides an opportunity for Officers to engage with those persistent begging or rough sleeping, to highlight their behaviour and the impact this is having on the Town Centre and provide advice and sign posting to various support agencies that are available. To address Anti-Social Behaviour the Team conduct high profile enforcement Operations, but also make use of education and engagement opportunities working alongside the Council and Youth Services in an effort to divert young people away from behaviour that causes alarm and distress to residents, visitors and workers within the Town Centre.