Police beef up security efforts in troubled Sheffield suburb

Since the Page Hall Police Team was created in October 2020, they have been working closely with Sheffield City Council’s street wardens, to help resolve environmental issues such as waste and noise nuisance, fly-tipping and housing concerns.

Whilst officers are regularly carrying out enforcement operations and days of action, the police said Friday was the first involving a full partnership approach.

Acting Police Sergeant Alistair Stanistreet, coordinating the operation, said: “As a police team, we’ve been prioritising enforcement since our arrival in Page Hall, we’ve had some really positive results and we are starting to see a change in behaviour.

“We acknowledge we are starting with small steps, but what we’re seeing is encouraging.

“On Friday the team were focusing on several issues, primarily breaches of Covid-19 regulations but also some long-running environmental problems.

“We want to see our coordinated efforts result in positivity and pride in the area for all our communities.”

The police contingent consisted of the Page Hall Team supported by the Burngreave Policing Team and colleagues from the special constabulary.

Sheffield City Council supported the operation by providing street wardens, environmental health officers, dedicated COVID-19 enforcement officers, and volunteer translators to assist officers in visiting and educating addresses where there have been reports of large gatherings.

On Friday night, officers served 11 Fixed Penalty Notices for breaches of Covid regulations after a group of men were found to be gathering at a shisha lounge.

Councillor Paul Wood, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Community Safety said: "This is a great example of community partners coming together to manage, improve and prevent problems for people living in Page Hall, and through this approach we aim to make a significant difference over the coming months.”

A/PS Stanistreet added: “Friday was a really productive day for us, it was fantastic to be on the streets with the full support of the local authority. We know people want to see change in Page Hall but as the police we can only tackle so much, we’ve made headway already, but it’s vital that we have and maintain a partnership approach.”