Boy, 16, arrested over 'antisocial behaviour and criminal acts' at Frenchgate Centre in Doncaster

And on Tuesday January 5 we arrested a 16 year old boy who had been involved in antisocial behaviour and criminal acts over the past few weeks in the Frenchgate Centre and Interchange.

He had been part of a wider group. Sadly, groups of young people have been gathering, ignoring social distancing rules and getting involved in incidents which have led to assaults and criminal damage.

I remind families that any breaches of coronavirus legislation by children may lead to parents receiving fines of up to £200. I know it is difficult and frustrating, but please encourage your children to stick to the rules.

We have also seen more cannabis raids.

We were called after a window was smashed on December 28 at a property at Carr Hill, Balby, and discovered a cannabis set-up with 73 plants being grown.

Similar set-ups were found at Haigh Road and Regent Street where a total of 300 plants were recovered.

Added to this, we raided a house on Verger Close, Rossington on 7 January and recovered a dozen plants.

On December 15, our officers attended a fire on Kirk Street, Hexthorpe, where a mid-terraced house was alight.

Occupants from the neighbouring properties had to be evacuated whilst the fire services tackled the blaze. It was later confirmed that the house had been used for a cannabis set-up with evidence of plants being grown over three floors.

Enquiries continue. But I am aware of ongoing issues with power cuts in the Hexthorpe and Balby areas. I can assure residents we are working with Doncaster Council and Northern Power to identify those specific addresses where power usage is unusually high. If you have any information which might assist us in this task, you can contact us online, via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Finally, in view of the lockdown, we cannot run our usual community engagement event apart from my monthly Facebook events, where you can ask me any questions about policing issues or concerns in your area. The first Facebook event of 2021 is on Thursday January 28, from 5.30pm until 6.30pm. I look forward to hearing from you!

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.