'Mexborough and Conisbrough are safer now - but there is still work to do'

There is still much work to be done, but it feels we are in the best position we have been there for many years, regarding organised crime.

We have more police on the ground, and it feels like it is having an effect. Reports of drug dealing on the streets, large gangs on the streets, and reports of violence linked to organised crime have fallen, Officers with 15 years experience there feel there are no longer no-go areas.

We believe there is a tangible difference. We must keep it like that.

Similarly, although there is still work to be done, since we have had a police team based in Edlington, we are seeing fewer incidents of violence, and areas are not as intimidating for local residents.

We are still busy.

In Mexborough, on May 13, a man was arrested and charged with possession of a knife and possession of class A drugs, after being stopped and searched on Northgate. A woman was warned over possession of cannabis after her car was stopped on April 30.

And a man was formally warned after being found with cannabis in a house raid on Cedar Avenue on April 21.

In Conisbrough, two men were arrested for making threats against shop workers on Wembley Avenue on May 3. And a raid on a house on Sickle Works Close resulted in a man’s arrest for cannabis possession.

And a raid on a house at March Vale Rise led to seizure of class A drugs. The investigation is ongoing.

In Edlington, 120 cannabis plants were found growing at a house on Staveley Street during an April 20 raid. A man was charged with cannabis production and abstracting electricity.

Bentley saw 66 cannabis plants discovered when we attended a suspicious incident at The Avenue on April 23. The investigation is ongoing. And a man was arrested for possession with intent to supply Class A drugs after a vehicle was stopped and searched on Arksey Lane on May 6.

And a man was arrested for possession of suspected class A drugs after a raid on Chestnut Avenue, Adwick, on April 30.

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. Liam Hoden editor.