POLICE have vowed to tackle rural crime in vulnerable communities in Barnsley after a day of action this week saw bobbies flood Penistone.
Operation Duxford, South Yorkshire Police’s monthly scheme which sees Barnsley-based officers focus on a specific location, saw Ch Insp Mark James target farms which have fallen victim to crime in the last 12 months.
Penistone, which was chosen because of its long-running issues with rural crime specifically those targeting high-value farm machinery will be at the forefront of a new force initiative which will see more officers being deployed to affected areas.
Ch Insp James said: “Penistone is unique as many parts of it are very rural. It’s also a big area so going forward we will be implementing a rural-specific plan which it will be at the front of.
“Operation Duxford sees officers from across Barnsley focus on one area which has been brought to our attention and in the last 18 months, Penistone has been affected by a rise in rural crime.
“Our number one priority is to re-engage with the community, those who have been hit hard. It’s no secret Penistone has suffered hard times so we want to visibly show its residents our intention of having a bigger footprint in the area.
“There’s no secret to good neighbourhood policing. We were at the level we want to be at before austerity measures came in, but we are determined to get back to that outstanding level as we know how to do it.”
Around 20 officers met for a briefing at Tesco’s Penistone store before heading out to gather information, provide reassurance and make contacts within the community particularly with out-of-town farms.
Similar problems have also occurred at Shafton, where ‘sitting duck’ stable owners claim they have been left thousands of pounds out of pocket having been targeted by burglars making use of easy paths out of the county.
Ch Insp James added: “This week’s event marks the start of a bigger programme across Barnsley which will focus on rural crime.
“We know from residents’ local crime meetings that they feel they are vulnerable and have expressed dissatisfaction. We need to improve the confidence of victims of rural crime.”
Helen Oxley, from the National Farmers’ Union, said: “Penistone has been an area that’s been affected by a rise in rural crime it’s great to see police working towards addressing that.
“A lot of our members have reported their concerns so hopefully the action day will have the desired effect and provide reassurance to residents who feel they are vulnerable.”
Thieves targeting equestrian-related equipment such as rugs, boots, saddles and bridles have also struck in recent months in Shafton, before making their way over the West Yorkshire boundary to villages such as neighbouring South Hiendley, Ryhill and Havercroft, according to stable holders.
It has been claimed that village, which is bordered by open fields and has stables at multiple locations including Ash Mount, Sandy Bridge Lane and Blacker Lane, has become an easy target for thieves who have taken advantage of its location.
Shafton Parish Council chairman Dave North said: “We have heard a lot in recent months about thieves targeting stables and farms on the boundary.
“Hopefully we will be included in the police’s plans to tackle crime. Communities such as Penistone and Shafton are vulnerable because of their location on the border and we need added protection.”
