Police get a grip on anti-social behaviour in Rotherham

Operation Alligator is running in Rotherham to crackdown on anti-social behaviour

Day one of the operation on Monday focused in and around St John’s Green in Kimberworth and nuisance drivers and drug dealers came under the spotlight.

CRIME: Sheffield boys, aged 13 and 16, arrested over theft of car with toddler insideSergeant Simon Kirkham, of South Yorkshire Police, said: "Operation Alligator is all about listening to the public, looking at our incident log and targeting resources and day one was a success.

"One man, a 24-year-old from Eastwood, was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis and a 20-year-old from Eastwood, was given a cannabis caution.

"We also issued two cannabis seizures, four stop and searches on suspected drug dealers, carried out nine hotspot patrol visits and offered reassurance visits to eight shops.

"Officers also did two licenced premise checks, one property search, 12 stop and searches and 10 names were given to officers to follow up."

Operation Alligator will run over the next few months and areas to be targeted include the Rotherham bus interchange, Rotherham town centre, Clifton Park, Kimberworth Park and Kimberworth.

Drug dog sweeps will be used, stop and search operations will be carried out and additonal patrols, included mounted, will be carried out.

POLICE: Hospital cash machines raided in Sheffield COURT: Man charged over attack on Sheffield police officers Sgt Kirkham added: "One of the techniques we are using is carrying out drug swipes which allows us to detect if specific drugs have been used in an area by simply wiping surfaces with a specialist material.

"We will be moving around the area on foot and in vehicles so people will see an increase in officer numbers as we carry out both enforcement and engagement work.

"A key part of this operation is gathering intelligence, speaking to victims as well as working with partners to identify key offenders and nuisance vehicles.

"Thank you to everyone who has reported crime to us as without intelligence this operation would not be able to take place."