New team takes to city streets to tackle yobs

Wakefield Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) as joined forces with Wakefield Council's youth workers and the National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders (Nacro) to form a new team under the Streetsafe Project.

Areas will be identified where youths gather or cause a nuisance and the special team will be drafted in to patrol the area. Police and youth workers will speak to the youngsters and make them aware of activities and facilities available to them.

Inspector Helen Brear, of Wakefield Rural NPT, said: "Last year we managed to reduce the number of incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area and have our sights firmly set on cutting it still further this year.

"We not only want to reduce the incidents of street drinking and anti-social behaviour by young people, but we want to engage with them about the harm that alcohol can cause.

"Any vulnerable children will be taken home and dealt with accordingly. We will seize any alcohol and take positive action against anti-social behaviour."

Natalie Delaney, of Nacro, said: "Nacro youth workers and the police have already had success in delivering the street based teams in the Castleford and Central areas of Wakefield, signposting young people to local provision they can access along with providing them with information, advice and guidance. We look forward to starting this successful project in a new area, Wakefield Rural."

Wakefield Council's Cabinet Member for Cohesion and Community Safety, Coun Olivia Rowley, said: "We often go out with the police to speak to young people and try to make them aware of the effect their behaviour is having on others in the community.

"It also gives us the chance to tell them about our youth centres and leisure and sporting opportunities so they know there is often somewhere they can go and something to do.''