POLICE officers in Barnsley have vowed to crack down on antisocial behaviour in and around the town centre after the number of incidents reported to the force has increased month-on-month this year.

Neighbourhood Inspector Richard Mangham says that antisocial behaviour comes in a variety of different forms.

Statistics, seen by the Chronicle, show that from January to April - the latest figures available - a total of 175 incidents of antisocial behaviour were recorded by officers from Barnsley Central’s Neighbourhood Policing Team which covers the town centre.

In January there were 34 incidents, followed by 43 in February, 47 in March and 51 in April.

Insp. Mangham said that engagement is key to tackling the problem.

He said: “We know that antisocial behaviour can come in many different forms, such as drug use, noise nuisance, criminal damage, and unfortunately we do see a few of these examples here in Barnsley town centre.

“Through our engagement with our communities, those who come and visit the town and those who work and own businesses here, we have built up our problem solving plans around specific types of antisocial behaviour which have been identified to us as the main concerns of our communities.”

Problem solving plans are often known as ‘Problem Oriented Policing’ and are a tool which the force can use to tackle certain crime types, with the aim of eliminating reoccurring issues.

He added: “Here in the town team, we have embedded these plans into our everyday policing work, ensuring that we are putting our resources exactly where our communities would like us to.

“We have several dedicated operations which look at a different type of antisocial behaviour.

“Some examples include, the use of antisocial vehicles in the town centre car parks, and drug use on the streets.

“We work closely with Barnsley Council during these operations as well, with dedicated patrols conducted with our officers and council wardens.

“These patrols focus on general antisocial behaviour, shop theft and begging, speaking to business owners and workers around what is concerning them the most.”

Insp. Mangham has also urged locals who may have any issues to speak with officers if they see them out and about.

He added that the force will focus on the issues that affect residents the most.

“In addition to this activity, our officers also focus on engagement visits to local schools and colleges, offering advice and education around topics such as knife crime and drug misuse,” he said.

“If you are a resident of the town, or visit here to do your shopping or for a day out and do have some concerns around antisocial behaviour, please do stop and speak to officers if you see them around, or contact your local neighbourhood policing team.

“It’s important to us to hear what issues you are seeing so we can work on resolving them.”