BARNSLEY saw a reduction in antisocial behaviour and fire-related incidents across the borough during what is usually officers’ busiest period of the year.
The end of October and early November, the period of Halloween and Bonfire Night, was cited by police as the time in which most calls for assistance are received.
However, Operation Dark Nights - which ran specifically to reduce incidents during the period - has been hailed as a success and police in Barnsley have thanked residents for their help.
The borough saw a reduction of 81 offences since 2018, with 13 fewer deliberate fires.
In 2018, officers attended 387 calls, which was a significant decrease on the 537 offences recorded in 2017, but this year saw officers attend 306 incidents across the area.
Inspector Rebecca Richardson said: “Neighbourhood policing teams joined forces with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and Barnsley Council to educate, deter and remove risks in areas that see an increase in offences.
“Before the darker nights started drawing in, our officers delivered safety presentations in local schools to their pupils, alongside the fire service.
“Our PCSOs also teamed up with the fire service to hold joint crime and fire reduction stalls in the areas we see an increase in incidents.
“We also got our cadets involved in the operation, carrying out test purchasing operations with Trading Standards representatives from Barnsley Council to ensure fireworks and alcohol were not being sold to those who are underage.
“I would like to thank our partners for their support in helping us tackle antisocial behaviour and making Barnsley a safer place to live and work.
“I would also like to thank the public for continuing to support our policing and operations within their area.”
