The Communities and Environment Crime & Disorder Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting scheduled for 25 February 2026 was set to review updates on crime and community safety, as well as the committee's work plan. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a detailed report on crime and community safety, covering various priorities of the Safer Stronger Doncaster Partnership.

Crime and Community Safety Update Report

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the Safer, Stronger Doncaster Partnership (SSDP) priorities, which include reducing anti-social behaviour, substance and alcohol misuse, crime and reoffending, tackling serious and organised crime, reducing violence and violent crime, and tackling domestic and sexual abuse.

The report indicated an overall decrease in reported crime in Doncaster during the period considered, with figures similar to those across the South Yorkshire Police (SYP) force area. While most crime types saw a reduction, there were notable increases in drug offences and robbery. The report detailed specific crime reduction figures, showing decreases in violence against the person, theft, public order offences, burglary, arson, and criminal damage. Conversely, drug offences saw a significant increase, attributed to increased enforcement activity, including a two-year covert drug operation in the City Centre. Sexual offences also saw an increase, which was reported to be in line with trends across South Yorkshire and driven by improved reporting mechanisms.

The report also addressed concerns raised by a Daily Mail article that ranked Doncaster as the second worst place for violence, explaining that the newspaper had used a complex interpretation of data. South Yorkshire Police disputed this data, highlighting that while occasional violence occurred in specific areas like Silver Street, there had been a marked decrease in serious violence. Comparative crime reduction figures for Doncaster were provided against other South Yorkshire districts, showing Doncaster performing favourably in several categories.

Specific initiatives were highlighted, including Operation Hawkeye to address residential burglaries in key wards, and efforts to combat anti-social behaviour, particularly concerning off-road bikes. The report noted the upcoming launch of a new crime reporting system and discussed legislative challenges related to off-road bikes, with pressure being applied to central government for changes.

The report also covered work being done to safeguard children from organised crime groups, interventions for stalking victims, and efforts to reduce substance and alcohol misuse, including a pilot scheme using Fibre scan technology for early intervention with high-risk drinkers. Partnership working with the British Transport Police and efforts to tackle retail crime were also detailed, with a focus on intelligence sharing and the use of Criminal Behaviour Orders. The report highlighted the value of home surveillance cameras for crime detection and the benefits of Days of Action for community engagement. The night-time economy was discussed in relation to the Best Bar None scheme, and the use of knife arches by South Yorkshire Police, which had led to arrests for other offences. A significant uplift in funding for neighbourhood policing was also mentioned.

The committee was asked to note the information received and support the work being undertaken by South Yorkshire Police regarding proposed legislation for off-road bikes.

Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan and the Council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions

The committee was also scheduled to review its Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan and the Council's Forward Plan of Key Decisions. This agenda item was for information, and the report was to be noted. The Forward Plan outlined key decisions expected to be taken by the Cabinet, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Portfolio Holders, or Officers between March and June 2026, covering areas such as economic development, culture, transport, and housing.

The meeting was scheduled to be held at the Council Chamber, Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster DN1 3BU, on Wednesday, 25 February 2026, at 10:00 am. The meeting was being filmed for subsequent broadcast via the Council's website.