A new five-year-plan aims to “confront the legacy of lost trust and low confidence” that undermines the relationship between people and the police, according to the South Yorkshire Mayor.

Mayor Oliver Coppard announced the draft for the 2025-2029 Police and Crime plan on Monday.

He took up the additional role as South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner in May 2024. 

The plan aims to deliver on five main problem areas: improving trust and confidence in the police and criminal justice system, preventing and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, improving safety on all transport networks, breaking the cycle of offending and harm, and tackling the most serious offences and building resilient communities.

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority have stated there will be a zero-tolerance approach to serious knife crime offences. 

This announcement comes at a crucial time, with the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Harvey Willgoose in February giving South Yorkshire Police an even stronger mandate for effective enforcement against knife-related crime.

Mayor Coppard acknowledged the scale of resolving the problem, and that “this plan is a step in that journey.”

The Police and Crime Plan looks to align with Mayor Coppard’s other initiatives – Beds for Babies, and Every Child a Reader, in an effort to give children a better start in life, and prevent the conditions that foster crime. 

The Violence Reduction Unit, set up in November 2023, is set to review what additional helpful actions can be implemented across South Yorkshire. 

We asked members of the public about their thoughts on the initiative:

Peter Stacy, a Sheffield resident for over 50 years, said: “We’ve got no chance with this initiative. It’ll only chip away at the problem. 

Mr Stacy recalled an experience with a young man he was trying to convince to pursue an apprenticeship. He stated there’s declining interest in pursuing tradesmanship and education.

He added: “You could put a kid in a stellar environment but if it’s only for an hour a week, it’s no use. Their community is where the real battle is.” 

Ginny Denmead, 19, said: “Hearing about it all the time is terrifying. It makes me feel unsafe even though I’ve never been affected myself.”

Gamden Billard, said: “What they need to do is show young people that they don’t need to carry a knife.

A better plan would be more police walking the beat, especially in the centre of town.”