'Neighbourhood patrols and transport safety prioritised in new South Yorkshire policing blueprint'
Visible neighbourhood policing, action on anti-social behaviour and better support for victims are among the priorities residents helped place at the centre of the region’s plans, writes Kilvinder Vigurs.
When I speak to residents across South Yorkshire, whether in our towns, villages or city centres, the conversation almost always comes back to one thing: people want to feel safe.
We all want to feel safe in our communities, have confidence that crime and anti-social behaviour will be tackled, and be reassured that support will be there when it is needed. As South Yorkshire’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Public Safety, one of my most important responsibilities is helping to deliver our new Police and Crime Plan for 2025-2029.
This is not a plan written behind closed doors. It has been shaped by conversations with residents, victims of crime, businesses, community organisations and partner agencies across South Yorkshire. Having taken part in that consultation process in my previous role, I know how important it was to create something communities could identify with.
The message we received was clear. People want visible policing in their neighbourhoods, stronger action on anti-social behaviour, better support for victims, and a criminal justice system they can trust. Those priorities are now at the heart of our work.
We will focus on five key areas: building trust and confidence in policing and the wider justice system; reducing crime and anti-social behaviour; improving safety on our transport networks; breaking cycles of offending and harm; and tackling serious crime while helping communities become stronger and more resilient.
These are ambitious goals, and partnership working will be essential. Policing alone cannot address every challenge. By working alongside colleagues across the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, local councils, health services, education providers, national government, businesses, and community organisations, we can tackle the causes of crime as well as its consequences.
This is about a holistic approach to tackling crime; it is about prevention, deterrence and enforcement working together.
South Yorkshire’s greatest strength has always been its people. Across our communities, volunteers, local groups and dedicated professionals make a real difference every day. Part of my role is to champion and amplify that work because there is much to be proud of.
While challenges remain, I am optimistic about what we can achieve together. In future columns, I will explore each of our five priorities and share how partnership working is helping to build a safer, fairer and more confident South Yorkshire for everyone.
Kilvinder Vigurs, Deputy Mayor
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