I am very concerned that there has been another spike in crime in our community, and have been working with the police to see what can be done to combat this. We have had a number of reports of incidents of crime, including a spate of burglaries and a violent attack on a resident at Owd’ Martha’s Yard. In addition, there have been instances of anti-social behaviour occurring in Hoyland, Elsecar, and other surrounding areas.

I recently met with the District Commander for Barnsley and I have been assured by South Yorkshire Police that the area is covered by Barnsley South East Neighbourhood team, based at Goldthorpe Police Station with dedicated PCs and PCSOs covering the area. This team also conduct high visibility, proactive patrols to engage with the community and develop intelligence. Extra patrols have also been set-up to catch those responsible.

I have been informed that, as a result of the extra patrols, a large number of youths were identified as being the perpetrators of anti-social behaviour. These youths received ASB warning letters and were spoken to in front of parents. One particular youth has been identified as being a main perpetrator, and as such the Police have initiated a programme of intervention which involves partner agencies.

New resources have been committed to our area, with a new Neighbourhood Policing team being created on the 24th of February. This team will be based in Hoyland and will cover Wombwell, Rockingham, Hoyland Milton, and Darfield.

I have been doing, and will continue to, work to engage with residents about crime in our community and how we can tackle it. I recently conducted a crime survey with residents to hear and understand their views on crime in the area as well as writing to residents who highlighted issues, visiting the homes of residents affected by crime, and conducting a walk round of businesses in Hoyland to discuss issues. I have also written to the Council regarding funding for PCSOs, and raised issues of crime in the Commons on more than one occasion and with the Home Secretary.

I encourage, as do the Police, concerned residents to report any instances of crime or anti-social behaviour to the police via 101. Moreover, please do signup to alerts and follow the Barnsley South East Neighbourhood Policing team on Twitter @BarnsleySE_NHP and on Facebook @BarnsleySouthEastNHP, where you can find more information on work carried out by the Police.