Doncaster crime crackdown targets shoplifting and modern slavery

Police said a knife drop point had been installed in Frenchgate shopping centre

Police in Doncaster have made around a dozen arrests as officers targeted anti-social behaviour in the city.

Around 90 officers were sent to Sir Nigel Gresley Square in the city on Wednesday as part of Operation Duxford.

South Yorkshire Police said the operation forms part of a county-wide strategy to tackle shoplifting, modern slavery and drug offences.

A knife drop point has been installed in the Frenchgate shopping centre, while officers also visited retailers.

The team of officers were deployed to Doncaster city centre on Wednesday morning

The force said it had made "significant strides in tackling crime" following concerns from the public about safety.

A Public Spaces Protection Order was renewed in the centre of Doncaster in November, giving officers extra powers to tackle issues including begging, loitering, drinking alcohol in public areas and tampering with parking equipment.

Insp Lisa Bird said: "We know by working together with our communities, we can achieve the best results.

"I would encourage shopkeepers and retail outlets to continue engaging with officers and reporting retail crime to us."