EXTRA police officers are being drafted in to work in Barnsley town centre tonight as revellers turn out for the ‘Mad Friday’.
The last Friday before Christmas is the first of three of the busiest nights of the year for the town’s police, with Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve just around the corner.
A dedicated project, dubbed Operation Blitzen, began on Monday and runs up to January 2 and officers drafted in from Barnsley’s six neighbourhood policing hubs will spread their time between the town centre and Wombwell, another high footfall location after dark.
Chief Inspector Chris Foster said: “We’ve got all sorts in place for the operation but it’s not just for dealing with public order offences as although it is the busiest time of year, other issues remain. This time of the year usually sees an increase in serious acquisitive crime as cars and homes are often full of presents, so while we’ve got a focus on the town centre there will still be patrols to deter break-ins.
“With regards to Mad Friday, we’ve been working with Barnsley Pubwatch this week to gauge any concerns town centre bars have and have been carrying out licensing checks.”
Operation Streetsafe, the dedicated central Barnsley project which runs every weekend, will remain in place throughout the festive period but town centre-based officers will be joined by officers from further afield as part of Blitzen to cope with the increased numbers who are expected to descend on the town centre.
“The message is to enjoy Mad Friday, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve but to be sensible at the same time,” Chf Insp Foster added.
“Cops will be more visible but we’re not there to referee fights.
“Barnsley’s different to places like Sheffield because people move in the usual places so they often start on Market Hill and make their way up to Wellington Street, that’s good for us and we know where any incidents could flare up within the space of a couple of hundred yards.
“We’re talking about really busy nights, and often days as workers tend to finish early and go out early, but we’re well-equipped to deal with the sea of people who will be out in the town centre.
“We’d also like people to come up to us and engage with what we’re doing we’re not there to spoil their fun and want them to have a good time in safety.”
