Police estate team 'made a difference'

The 14-strong Sheffield South Neighbourhood team was established in April last year to bring law and order back to parts of the Arbourthorne, Manor, Norfolk Park and Wybourn areas.

In its first year, the team conducted 48 operations, targeting criminals and anti-social elements.

Presenting the award to the team today, Master Cutler Alan Reid said: “This area takes in what one national newspaper called the worst estate in Britain. It recorded more offences of criminal damage and anti-social behaviour per household than any other part of the city.

“A disproportionate number of car crime offenders live there and it had the greatest number of priority and prolific offenders per head of population in Yorkshire."

A “sting” operation resulted in 41 arrests in six weeks, while other initiatives led to stolen motorcycles being recovered and drugs to the value of 500,000 seized, said Mr Reid.

He added: “This team, which also worked closely with local authority representatives to help bring better family support, employment prospects and environmental benefits to the area, has significantly reduced crime and anti-social behaviour.

“Their efforts have made these estates a better place to live for law abiding citizens and their achievements are a testament to the fact that a small but dedicated team, working in partnership with the local community, can make a real difference.”

The Cutlers’ Company's individual police award was presented to PC Alan Hancock, a children and young persons’ officer who developed a mascot known as PC Bill and a board game to help youngsters stay safe and make the right decisions about their lives.

He also played a major part in developing anti-drugs education through a specialist CD and drafting a much-used School Behaviour Agreement.

Mr Reid said: “In today's high pressure world the police have a difficult and, for many officers, an often dangerous job. Sometimes we fail to appreciate the personal dedication and commitment that can be an essential part of their work. That is why the Cutlers' Company honour our local police each year - to underline and applaud their efforts.”