Crime has fallen and police visibility has increased in Doncaster city centre a year after the launch of the £1 million Safer City Initiative, according to South Yorkshire Police.

In a partnership between South Yorkshire Police and the City of Doncaster Council, the scheme was launched last year by Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones to tackle antisocial behaviour, improve safety and restore confidence in the city centre.

Chief Superintendent Pete Thorp, Doncaster District Commander, said: “Doncaster city centre is the hub of our wonderful city and we want it to be the most welcoming, vibrant and safe place it can possibly be.”

Overall crime in the Doncaster Central neighbourhood area has dropped by 7% in the first half of 2025, including a 23% reduction in weapons offences, 6% fall in violent and sexual offences, and a 29% decrease in shoplifting.

There has also been a rise in joint patrols and street cleaning, with 1,060 police patrols covering 1,165 miles between July and September alone.

Over the past 12 months, investment has gone into expanding the city’s CCTV network, introducing a mobile camera and first aid unit, and installing a Tannoy system allowing operators to speak directly to people involved in antisocial behaviour.

Chief Superintendent Pete Thorp added: “Our policing presence in the city centre is more visible than ever and the feedback we are receiving is that this is helping to make a difference and increase that feeling of safety in the area.”

The Safer City partnership has also seen the opening of a new police base inside Frenchgate Shopping Centre, the introduction of police bicycles to improve response times, and the creation of a dedicated city centre neighbourhood team.

Meanwhile, council enforcement officers have issued 889 warnings for Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) breaches, 13,478 parking fines, and 3,761 littering penalties in the last year.

The council’s Safer City teams have also clocked up over 17,000 hours of patrols through the urban core.

Reflecting on the first year of the initiative, Mayor Ros Jones said the investment is making a “positive impact on safety”, but urged the public to continue reporting antisocial behaviour.

She said: “We know that safety is a top priority for the residents and businesses of Doncaster. The investment we have made over the past year is making a positive impact on safety, but we acknowledge there is still more to do. I would encourage people to report crime and anti-social behaviour to enable us to continue to work together with the police to combat this.”

The Mayor added that safety remains a top priority as regeneration projects continue to reshape the city centre ahead of the festive season.

“I would encourage people to come to visit and enjoy the city centre with the added reassurance that we have strong safety measures in place.

Residents are encouraged to report antisocial behaviour or crime via the council’s Report It page or directly to South Yorkshire Police.