SIX areas of Barnsley are set to benefit from extra funding to tackle serious violence and antisocial behaviour - despite 42 other areas across South Yorkshire seeing targeted patrols, it has been revealed.
The additional funding, as part of the Home Office’s ‘Hotspot Response’ model, follows the increase of antisocial behaviour (ASB) patrols last July.
The model now sees an increase in the amount of officers on our streets in a bids to tackle specific issues in areas experiencing higher levels of ASB and violent crime.
This is completed through targeted hotspot policing and problem-solving initiatives, with data over the past year being analysed to identify the areas which will benefit from increased activity the most.
A total of 48 hotspots have been identified across South Yorkshire, that incorporate both the highest volumes of serious violent crime and ASB.
However, the Chronicle can reveal only six areas of Barnsley - two in each of the Central and Dearne North wards, and one in both Stairfoot and Wombwell - will benefit out of the 48 hotspots.
Between January and September last year, a total of 2,351 incidents of antisocial behaviour were recorded.
Rowdy and inconsiderate behaviour and off-road biking were the highest recorded categories - with 780 and 613 records respectively.
There has also been a number of incidents recorded regarding prostitution, though this figure is below ten.
Detective Superintendent David Cowley said: “Being successful in this funding for the fourth time has meant that we can continue our dedicated work to reduce the number of victims of most serious and violent crimes that we unfortunately see.
“We know that a large proportion of our violent crime happens within a small number of geographical locations, and so through this funding we can deliver effective hotspot policing in these areas to reduce most serious violence and bring offenders to justice.”
The Home Office programme has also funded additional resources including body worn cameras for security and door staff, ID scanners, improved security features such as increased lighting and CCTV to provide safer environments.
Chief Inspector John Mallows, force lead for ASB, added: “We know that ASB-related incidents cause real concerns in the local communities that are victim to these on a daily basis.
“Tackling ASB remains a priority for the force, which is why I greatly welcome this additional funding to ensure we can continue our ongoing work and increased police patrols.
“We have seen some great early success in these patrols with ASB in the hotspot areas reducing by a total of six per cent across the force, and we know that local residents and business owners are see the difference these patrols are making.
“We regularly get stopped while out on patrols, receiving positive feedback about how residents are seeing incidents decrease in their areas.”
