Huge police operation in Sheffield city centre leads to arrests for rape and drugs being seized

Despite city centres being quieter than they were before the pandemic, officers were deployed for a day of intensified action carrying out stop searches and cracking down on aggressive begging.

Four people were arrested for offences including rape and breach of bail, while officers also carried out 22 stop searches resulting in four people being found carrying spice and one in possession of cannabis.

Teams from the city centre neighbourhood team, our Serious Violent Crime Taskforce and Tasking Team joined forces for the operation yesterday (Thursday), which also involved visiting more than 100 businesses.

South Yorkshire Police said they would be carrying out the new operation every month.

Chief Inspector Gareth Thomas, leading on the operation said: “As the people of Sheffield continue to work towards relative normality, albeit with varying new restrictions, it is important that they know we are here.

“Life has changed, but one thing that hasn’t is our dedication to the people of the city.

“This operation is about pooling all our resources to deal with issues that could create barriers to people feeling safe, where they live or where they work.

“Whilst this type of activity is, of course, our daily business, combining different teams in a concentrated time period increases arrest opportunities and disrupts those intent on causing issues.”

A dog handler also joined the patrol with passive drugs dog Jasper, who helped around key locations such as tram stops and the cathedral.

During an area search of Exchange Street, PD Jasper helped recover a quantity of Class A drugs located after reports of suspicious activity.

Sergeant Jon Simpson from the Sheffield City Centre Neighbourhood Team said: “There is no question that the lockdown has changed the face of the city centre, however it hasn’t removed issues around drug use and drug supply.

“It’s important we have a robust and continued approach when dealing with this type of thing, I am acutely aware that it’s this type of activity which worries retailers, shoppers and residents.”

Four dispersal orders were also issued with the aim of disrupting anti-social behaviour.

Officers from the Serious Violent Crime Taskforce also located a person who had been reported as missing from home.

Sgt Simpson added: “A big part of today has been getting stuck in when it comes to engagement and conversation. I’ve had PCSOs visiting as many businesses as possible, chatting to people, introducing themselves and making sure people have contact details for us.”

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