Keeping our town centre safe and welcoming

We’re continuing to build on the strong work taking place in our town centre to keep it safe, friendly, and enjoyable for everyone. Our Wardens, South Yorkshire Police and town centre security teams are working together every day to make sure people feel confident when they visit, shop, work, or spend time here.

Over recent months, our joined-up approach has made a real difference. Wardens and police are carrying out targeted patrols, joint operations and quick follow-up action to deal with any issues that arise – helping prevent problems before they escalate and ensuring the town centre remains a welcoming space.

Back in October, our teams took part in a dedicated operation across the town centre, working late into the night with neighbourhood officers and PCSOs. Their positive interventions included:

• Supporting businesses and staff, keeping them informed and reassured throughout the evening.
• Deterring a potential shoplifting attempt, stepping in quickly to prevent a crime.
• Moving on groups causing nuisance, helping keep shopping centres, rooftops and car parks safe for everyone.
• Updating access and safety systems at a local shopping centre and following up with a town centre venue on an issue they raised.

Across the night, our Wardens maintained a highly visible presence around Doncaster Road, the Skyline Flats area and the Alhambra, offering reassurance to the public and sharing information with partners to help plan future patrols.

This is part of our ongoing commitment to keeping the town centre safe. Wardens and police continue to use the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to challenge behaviour that’s causing concern. Throughout September and October, teams successfully directed people to leave the area when needed, helping to prevent disruption.

We’re also working proactively with young people and families to reduce repeat incidents. Since October:

• 15 early-stage anti-social behaviour letters have been issued to make young people and their families aware of the impact of their actions.
• A Community Protection Warning has been issued to support further behaviour change.
• An Acceptable Behaviour Contract has recently been agreed with another young person, helping set clear expectations for moving forward.

All of this work is shared with Youth Justice partners to support early intervention and positive outcomes.

Joint operations with South Yorkshire Police continue regularly, focused on reducing youth nuisance, tackling anti-social behaviour and preventing shoplifting. More operations are already planned for December and January to continue building on the progress made.

Cllr Wendy Cain, Cabinet Spokesperson for Communities and Public Health, said:
“Our town centre is a place for everyone, and it’s important that people feel safe and supported when they visit. The work taking place with our partners is making a real difference, and we’re committed to keeping the town centre – and the wider borough – welcoming, vibrant and safe.”

If you see or experience anti-social behaviour, please report it so we can respond quickly.