POLICE have arrested a number of people in a bid to respond ‘robustly’ to residents’ concerns about antisocial behaviour in and around the Oakwell area.

Heather Linney, 54, has been running a Facebook group regarding the increase in crime in the area and over the past few months she’s recorded a total of 81 incidents, but claims the real figure will be much higher.

Dozens of residents were in attendance at a meeting recently alongside Central ward councillors and the police force and Coun Nicola Sumner has praised the collaborative work.

Police have been cracking down following the concerns of residents and it has been confirmed they have arrested a number of people on various offences.

Officers say they have increased the number of mounted and foot patrols to provide reassurance to the local community and have also conducted house visits to offer crime prevention advice to residents and to deter further offending.

One man seen in possession of a knife was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon, with officers seizing the weapon.

Police say they also arrested one culprit – said to be a ‘prolific offender’ – on suspicion of theft on June 2.

The 29-year-old was charged and has since been remanded into custody ahead of his next court appearance.

Stop-searches carried out in the community led to the seizure of Class A drugs, with officers also conducting vehicle checks.

These checks led to them seizing a vehicle containing scrap metal following a complaint from a resident.

Officers are currently involved in bi-weekly visits to residents and premises staff across Oakwell, which they say has helped improve their intelligence of the area and decrease the number of incidents of ASB as a result.

Inspector Richard Mangham told the Chronicle: “I hope that our strong response in recent weeks to the community concerns raised to us reassures Oakwell residents that we take antisocial behaviour seriously.

“Antisocial behaviour is a blight on communities, and we have stepped up efforts to stamp it out in Oakwell and Barnsley as a whole, from providing an increased police presence on the streets, to cleaning up graffiti, and arresting offenders.

“I urge residents to continue to report incidents of antisocial behaviour to us so that we can respond resolutely and continue to make Barnsley a safer and happier place for everyone to live.”

Coun Sumner, who has been working with residents and the force, added: “Our community safety officer at the council has worked diligently behind the scenes to coordinate the police response, action and meeting.

“I am really happy that Oakwell has a designated PC now and a plan of engagement and support.

“They’ve had the mounted police and a camera installed.

“Things need time to improve but I think the future in Oakwell looks a little brighter with this multi agency approach.”