South Yorkshire knife crime figures down but “we must not be complacent”
Knife crime has reduced in South Yorkshire but the politician in charge of tackling it says that she is far from complacent on the issue.
A meeting of South Yorkshire Police and Crime Panel yesterday (April 27) in Barnsley Town Hall heard from Kilvinder Vigurs, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime for South Yorkshire.
She said: “Recent incidents with knife crime, particularly involving young people, continue to deeply concern all of us. Whilst overall knife crime has reduced in South Yorkshire, we must not be complacent.
“The figures have shown that they’re down by 10% from two years ago. Our violence reduction unit is refreshing its approach with a strong emphasis on early intervention and prevention, but working closer with schools, families and communities.”
A report to the committee mentioned a stabbing in Market Square in Woodhouse, Sheffield, on March 18. A 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries but is recovering well.
Two 17-year old boys have been charged with attempted murder, the report said.
Concentrated
Deputy Mayor Vigurs said South Yorkshire is taking part in a national enforcement initiative for areas where knife crime is most concentrated.
Police patrols are focused on six areas. They are Sheffield Central, Wicker and Page Hall, both in Sheffield, Rotherham Central/Eastwood, Barnsley Central, Hexthorpe in Doncaster and Doncaster Central.
Deputy Mayor Vigurs also mentioned disturbances in February in Page Hall, Sheffield, including an incident at Fir Vale School that made national headlines. She said that the police response had been prompt, quickly managing the situations.
Police, council, NHS and other partners are addressing both the immediate issues and long-term challenges, she said.
“In a bid to support the ongoing work, I am now chairing a strategic group to support co-ordinated action to improve safety, wellbeing and confidence of the residents,” Deputy Mayor Vigurs added.
Violence
She said the region’s violence reduction unit now has a new head and other key leaders.
Its work includes focusing on deterrence, early intervention and education, work with children and young people, violence against women and girls and knife crime.
Coun Ian Horner from Sheffield City Council said there was an attempted mugging in the street next to where he lives on the previous evening.
He added: “If people don’t think they can walk safely to the local shops at night, that is a serious matter.”