A HUGE policing effort to sever organised crime groups’ ties in Barnsley communities has resulted in scores of locals being safeguarded from being exploited.
South Yorkshire Police’s serious and organised crime unit has been working ‘round the clock’ to target anyone involved in organised criminality and bring them to justice.
While perpetrators have been jailed, drugs have been removed from the streets and cash has been recovered, one key part of the disruption has been the focus on so-called ‘cuckooing’, where gang members prey on vulnerable occupants to effectively set up boltholes in communities.
Cuckooing figures hit their highest level in five years in 2024/25, with 84 incidents being recorded by South Yorkshire Police - up from eight in 2019/20.
Head of serious and organised crime operations, Detective Superintendent Nicola Shimwell, said: “We all have a role to play in tackling organised crime.
“We work hard, in partnership with other agencies, to tackle organised crime through the development of vital intelligence provided to us by communities, which results in warrants being executed and suspects being arrested and prosecuted.
“Our neighbourhood teams work hard to build relationships with residents affected by OCGs and to safeguard vulnerable people using all the powers available.
“Following on from the hard work of our dedicated officers and staff in the last year, we have seen meaningful reductions in offending.
“Our teams executed just under 300 warrants at properties linked to organised crime, recovering over £1.2m which would have funded criminals and enabled them to continue to bring misery onto our communities.
“Investigations into those involved in organised criminality has seen years of jail time for a range of serious incidents.”
Recently, more than ten Barnsley addresses have been identified as being at risk of cuckooing, although some were discounted.
The Chronicle understands six are being treated as priorities by investigators.
“Reducing organised crime is not just about enforcement and locking up criminals, but also about protecting some of the most vulnerable members of our communities who are susceptible to be preyed on by these thugs,” Det Supt Shimwell added.
“As a direct result of the work we carried out in 2025, over 300 people - including 105 children - were safeguarded, ensuring they didn’t fall victim to the ruthless and selfish actions of organised criminals.
“We need our communities to work with us in helping us to tackle organised crime.
“If you know something, please share it with us or anonymously to Crimestoppers - please do not stay silent.”
Superintendent Mark James told the Chronicle cuckooing - and its association with OCGs - is being continually looked at by the town’s officers.
“Often the occupants are vulnerable and organised criminals see that as an easy way in they befriend the victims, gain trust and take over the property, effectively.
“Given the victims’ vulnerabilities, they often won’t even see themselves as a victim.
“We’re keen to disrupt organised criminality but it’s very much a multi-layered approach.
“If you notice unusual activity at a property in your area such as frequent visitors, antisocial behaviour, or signs of drug use please report it using 101.
“Your information can help protect vulnerable residents and keep our communities safe.”
