'Policing a city like Sheffield will always have challenges'

Sheffield has a new district commander of police – but before commenting on that, I’d first like to pay tribute to the commander she succeeds, Chief Superintendent Stuart Barton.
Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire police and crime commissionerDr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire police and crime commissioner
Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire police and crime commissioner

Policing a big city like Sheffield is always going to have challenges, but Mr Barton came just as we were encountering a growing national trend - crimes involving serious violence, especially knives.

He realised the police had to work with the community if progress was to be made. This is what he did and I recall some of the meetings he held, not least with in Arbourthorne.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He reassured people by showing a willingness to meet and to listen and then to act.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Barton has left his role as district commander of SheffieldChief Superintendent Stuart Barton has left his role as district commander of Sheffield
Chief Superintendent Stuart Barton has left his role as district commander of Sheffield

Under his leadership, neighbourhood teams – key sources of intelligence – were restored and expanded, gangs disrupted and many arrests made.

We wish him well.

The new commander, Chief Supt Una Jennings, is no stranger to Sheffield, although she has most recently been a commander in Rotherham.

It is, of course, up to the police to determine what they must do operationally, but part of my role is to listen to the public and pass on their concerns.

So what am I saying to the new commander?

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

At the end of March, when the coronavirus lockdown was imposed, crime in Sheffield fell dramatically. The streets were deserted and everyone stayed at home.

Only the most reckless and foolhardy of house burglars or drug dealers ventured out, because they immediately drew attention to themselves in otherwise empty streets, but now, with restrictions easing, crime is creeping back to pre-Covid levels.

Judging by the correspondence I receive, burglars are back – breaking into houses, small businesses and shops - and drug dealers have emerged on the streets again.

And we know the links between the serious violence Mr Barton had to deal with and the turf wars over control of the drug markets are back as well.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

There is, of course, much more I will be saying to the new commander when we meet, but I will certainly be making the point that a real determination to tackle these issues of burglaries, drugs and gangs has got to be at the top of the priority list.

So welcome back to Sheffield, Ms Jennings, where we are willing you to succeed.