A neighbourhood policing team carried out 48 stop searches this week in Sheffield city centre, Ecclesall Road and Endcliffe Park as a part of an operation to crack down on drugs and anti-social behaviour.

The operation, named Sidewinder, is being deployed by the Sheffield City Centre Neighbourhood team routinely. It is a high-visibility operation used to deter drug use and supply.

Eight people were dealt with for possession of controlled drugs, including cocaine. Two Section 35 dispersal notices were also issued to deal with incidents of anti-social behaviour. One man was arrested for theft, failing to appear, and breaching a court warrant. He has since been charged.

The team have also been supporting local businesses and shoppers as Covid-19 restrictions start to ease, ensuring everyone continues to follow remaining rules.

Inspector Ali Bywater said: “It’s been a busy week for my officers and all of those working in our city centre. We’ve been around to make sure that people are being responsible and continuing to do all they can to keep each other safe and follow restrictions that are still in place.

We have been really pleased to see so many people being responsible and continuing to respect restrictions that are in place, wearing masks and adhering to social distancing in shops and businesses.
By doing this, you are keeping everyone safe, there is still a risk to public health and it’s vital that we all continue to work together to keep people safe.

Our foot patrols continue and if you see us, come and say hello and get to know your local neighbourhood team.”