COMMUNITIES gripped by organised crime groups have been urged to report any information they may have about illegal activity to rid drugs and violence from their area.
Police based in the Dearne have been stepping up work as part of Operation Fortify, which saw them implement more stop and search tactics on suspected offenders during the Easter period.
Charges have been dished out to those suspected of being responsible as part of Fortify, while controlled drugs and cash - thought to be gained illegally - were seized last weekend as officers focused their efforts on disrupting organised crime.
According to the police, a fresh wave of suspected gang members will appear in court later this month for drug and violence-related matters.
Chief Superintendent Shaun Morley said: “We hope the work being carried out will send a clear message that organised crime will not be tolerated.
“Criminal and antisocial behaviour is having a negative impact on this community and we are committed to stamping it out. To be truly successful in tackling this behaviour we need help from the community.
“I would urge anyone with concerns or information to contact us and help us to get these people off the streets by calling 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Violent-related offences topped the list of total crime in Barnsley from January to December with 997 incidents, accounting for 23.9 per cent of overall crime reports received by police during the year.
Between April and September of last year, 29 vehicles and £83,000 in cash was recovered as part of Operation Fortify, while police say every suspected organised crime group in the borough are being monitored.
Detective Inspector Steve Smith added: “I hope that the results we’re already seeing from this targeted action are showing the people that we are serious about stamping out this antisocial and damaging behaviour.
“There’s a big job to be done, but we’ve made a fantastic start and we won’t stop until those who live in the neighbourhood feel safe and secure.”
South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Dr Alan Billings, raised concerns about children being groomed by criminal gangs - with youngsters recruited to deal drugs and stash weapons.
He has called for the police, local authorities, schools and youth services to work together to stop children being groomed.
He said: “Gangs are starting to look for young people to use, to get their drugs moved around.
“I don’t want to exaggerate it but you can see potential for drawing people into a way of life we would regard as abhorrent.
“But to some young people, especially if they are not doing well at school, or not in school, if someone is offering quick and easy money, they can get drawn in.
“That is a grooming technique, offering an exciting way of life. But before you know it, you are in and they and then you have to do what you are told.”
