Tweeting to tackle antisocial behaviour

Air weapons, fireworks, drug seizures, nuisance neighbours and fly-tipping were all in a day’s work for South Yorkshire Police on Friday.

As part of a day of action the force tweeted every incident of antisocial behaviour reported between 12 noon and 12 midnight - as well as what officers did to tackle it.

Some 156 messages were sent in an effort to help residents understand the number and variety of antisocial behaviour incidents the force deals with.

In a bid to drive down incidents on what is traditionally one of the busiest nights of the year for antisocial behaviour officers were out tackling the issues that matter most to local communities.

There were high-visibility patrols, visits to firework retailers challenging the sale of fireworks to under 18s and patrols tackling nuisance vehicles.

And compared to 2nd November, last year, there were 54 fewer incidents of antisocial behaviour reported. Across the county 22 people were dealt with for offences including damage, shoplifting, possession of controlled drugs and breach of the pace. Eight antisocial behaviour contract referrals were made, two air weapons seized and over £2,200 worth of drugs were recovered. In test-buying visits 16 out of 116 licensed premises failed to meet the grade.

The day of action was also about engaging with young people, with over 5,000 getting involved with community activities.

Chief Inspector Colin McFarlane, force lead for antisocial behaviour said his officers understand the impact antisocial behaviour can have on how safe people feel.

“As a force, we are committed to tackling antisocial behaviour all year round, but I hope that Friday highlighted the variety of issues we deal with and the amount of good work our officers do tackling issues that matter to communities.”

“The operation has been a massive success, evident by the initial results. As many people will have seen by the message going out on our social media accounts, we dealt with 200 antisocial behaviour incidents which is 54 less than the same day last year.”

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