Scheme to crack down on violence
HUNDREDS of police officers flooded Doncaster town centre in a high-profile operation to crack down on violent crime and anti-social behaviour.
Doncaster was one of 16 police areas across the country taking part in the national Tackling Knives Action Programme.
The scheme was aimed at reducing the number of young people seriously injured by knife crime or other violence.
The operation, which was planned months in advance, involved around 30 police officers and involvement from other agencies working to promote Doncaster as a safe and vibrant place to live, work and visit.
Operation Portcullis resulted in 220 young people being spoken to, and seven being taken to a designated place of safety or returned home.
Five young people who were engaging in anti-social behaviour were dispersed from the town centre.
The Road Policing Group used automatic number plate recognition to catch two people in possession of a stolen vehicle, and three motorists were arrested for drink-driving.
Customs and Excise officers confiscated 165,000 contraband cigarettes and 20kg of tobacco with an approximate value of 37,500.
A total of 158 premises were visited during a knife and alcohol test purchase operation, which resulted in an 89 per cent compliance rate
Eleven people were found in possession of controlled drugs and referrals were made to the drug and alcohol intervention programme.
No knives were recovered but one offensive weapon was seized.
The operation commander, Chief Supt Bob Sanderson, said: "It was a busy night, and very successful.
"The key aim of the operation was to bring our partners together to reduce crime and the fear of crime in Doncaster.
"Through this operation we aimed to highlight that South Yorkshire Police and partners will not tolerate crime or anti-social behaviour and will do everything in our power to prevent incidents from occurring."
Mr Sanderson said: "This has been a successful operation in terms of providing a strong police presence that promotes community safety and reassurance within the night-time economy.
"The operation was about raising the public's confidence enabling people to feel safe as they travel to Doncaster in order to have a good night out without any fear of crime or disorder."
Agencies were on hand throughout the day and night to respond to any incidents and refer victims of domestic violence to appropriate services, including Doncaster Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Service, Women's Aid, and independent domestic and sexual violence advocates.
Coun Cynthia Ransome, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, regulatory and customer services, and housing, said: "Doncaster Council was pleased to be a key part of this operation and supports the police in tackling and not tolerating crime and antisocial behaviour.
"The operation was an effective way to raise awareness of the services that Doncaster Council and partner agencies offer with regards to domestic and sexual violence. The operation sent out a strong message to people in that we are working hard to make the borough as safe as possible."
Don't miss our daily pull-outs - only in the The Star: Monday Star Sport, Tuesday Class Act; Wednesday Business; Thursday Grassroots; Friday Time Out; Saturday Retro. Subscribe to The Star - CLICK HERE
READ MORE
Join the Star reader panel
Main news index
Your letters
Features
South Yorkshire's environmental news
Kids Zone
More business news
More Rotherham news
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
