Drugs and violence targeted in major police crackdown

POLICE in Doncaster have mounted a major operation to crack down on drugs, violent crime and anti-social behaviour.

About 200 officers took part in Operation Portcullis in the town over an 18-hour period, finishing at 6am yesterday.

Drug use connected to pubs and clubs in Doncaster, sales of alcohol and knives to underage youngsters, domestic violence, anti-social behaviour by children and older youths and vehicle crime were among the problems targeted.

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A number of people were arrested for drugs offences including possession of cocaine and amphetamines.

Chief Superintendent Bob Sanderson, district commander for Doncaster, said he was pleased with the success of the multi-agency operation which follows a similar initiative in Sheffield in November as part of a Home Office-backed programme primarily aimed at ensuring safety.

"We had a very strong presence in the town centre and we were able to bolster people's confidence that they could stay safe," he said.

A specialist search centre had been set up in the town centre which processed 70-80 people following initial checks by sniffer dogs for drugs. Other checks for weapons were also carried out although none were found, which confirmed intelligence that the town did not have a serious problem with knife-type crime.

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He said a major operation on Saturday afternoon had targeted unaccompanied children and youths in Doncaster town centre to make sure they were safe and not causing a nuisance.

Several premises failed test purchases of alcohol and kitchen knives by children and could face prosecution.

In another phase of the operation, victims of suspected domestic violence were given intensive support from teams of police and specialist advocates immediately after incidents which it was hoped would help them give them confidence to press charges and offer them the chance to leave violent relationships.