Police commissioner to meet disabled man to discuss threats and abuse in Sheffield city centre

South Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner is to meet with a disabled man who has faced abuse and threats in Sheffield city centre.
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Former security guard Peter Butterworth, who uses a mobility scooter, told The Star of the intimidation he fears around High Street in the city centre, and revealed he had even been threatened with a knife by a beggar on West Street.

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Now cimmissioner Dr Alan Billings, says he will meet him to hear about the problems.

The police and crime commissioner says he will meet disabled former security guard to discus concerns over antisocial behaviour in the town centreThe police and crime commissioner says he will meet disabled former security guard to discus concerns over antisocial behaviour in the town centre
The police and crime commissioner says he will meet disabled former security guard to discus concerns over antisocial behaviour in the town centre
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Meanwhile, the officer in charge of policing the city centre has outlined action already being taken.

Inspector Danielle Spencer, from Sheffield Central neighbourhood policing team, said: “I fully understand the impact behaviour such as this can have on victims and those who spend time in our city centre. But I want to reassure residents that my team remains committed to tackling anti-social behaviour and work is ongoing.

“In November and December last year, we carried out an operation targeted at anti-social behaviour. Throughout this period, officers patrolled the city for an additional 860 hours, which resulted in an 11 per cent reduction in anti-social behaviour compared to the same period in 2020. Feedback was positive, with people telling us the high visibility policing presence had a positive impact on local perceptions of safety and confidence in South Yorkshire Police.

She added officers regularly deployed Operation Sidewinder in the city centre, which sees the team patrolling with a passive drugs dog, adding it produced excellent results, with numerous arrests and drug seizures. It also acted as a deterrent to individuals who may be tempted to come into the city to commit crime and anti-social behaviour.

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There is a dedicated Police Community Support Officer who works with those who are homeless or begging in the city centre and there is joint outreach work with Sheffield Council to help them off the streets.

She said: “Engaging and educating these individuals is crucial, but when this doesn’t succeed in changing behaviours then we do look towards enforcement instead.

“I would urge people who see or are experiencing crime and disorder within the city centre to ensure they report it. The reports received help give us as a team an accurate picture of the issues being faced and demand for our services.”