Cudworth Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) have been praised for their efforts to crackdown on antisocial behaviour over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

The SNT used robust policing methods to crack down on antisocial behaviour, in particular the village of Great Houghton. Residents had called for a significant presence over mischief night after experiencing a number of antisocial behaviour type incidents last year.

The work formed a part of operation Bright Future which aimed to deter young people taking part in antisocial behaviour over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period and firmly deal with those who continue to do so.

Officers carried out high visibility patrols in vehicles, on foot and on mountain bikes. A large group of around 25 males and females aged 14yrs-18yrs were asked to disperse after reports that they were behaving in a loud and abusive manner. 10 dispersal orders were issued to members of the group. These stated that they were not to return to the area again in the next 48 hours or face a further penalty.

Councillor Dorothy Higginbottom who represents the North East Ward said, “No one wants to stop young people having fun but I had seen incidents occur before the crackdown, of individuals breaking  bus windows and throwing missiles at moving vehicles which deeply  concerned me. It is only a small number of individuals who carry out these kind of acts and they are old enough to know better. I am pleased that that the police successfully clamped down on it before it escalated. Residents from Rotherham Road which runs through Great Houghton, have commented how quiet the area now is, suggesting it hadn’t been this quiet in a long time.”

Cudworth SNT PC Mike Dennis said, “This year we were determined to prevent any kind of antisocial behaviour in the village. We were on hand to quickly respond to an incident and at the same time provide reassurance to residents. We received a number of thank you letters from residents and we are very happy with the success of the operation.”