POLICE described their latest Operation Duxford as the ‘most successful’ yet after 14 suspects were arrested in the highly-visible crackdown on crime last week.
Focusing on domestic violence, neighbourhood crime and antisocial behaviour, teams from across the force came together to support Barnsley officers as well as local partners last Wednesday.
In total 14 suspects were arrested by the end of the day for offences including possession with intent to supply, arson with intent, robbery, fail to stop, recall to prison, burglary, most serious violence (MSV) and retail theft.
Officers executed multiple warrants for drugs and weapons at addresses within the town centre and New Lodge areas, where several quantities of Class A drugs were seized as well as weapons including an air rifle, a hunting knife and a machete.
Vehicle checks were also carried out across the district, and officers and colleagues from Barnsley Council monitored over 1,200 vehicles, stopping a total of 42 vehicles and issuing three fixed penalty notices for not wearing a seatbelt.
Alongside the vehicle checks, a roads policing operation was also carried out around the areas of Darfield and Stairfoot.
Altogether 60 vehicles were checked for no insurance, with two traffic offence reports (TORs) being issued and one person arrested on suspicion of robbery, dangerous driving, driving not in accordance with a licence and fail to stop following a pursuit within the Stairfoot area.
Superintendent Emma Wheatcroft said: “Last Thursday saw our most successful Operation Duxford in Barnsley to date and I am incredibly proud of the results we achieved.
“Once again, we received support from a wide range of teams within the force to help us carry out a full day’s worth of activity, from our local neighbourhood policing teams, tactical support group and mounted to name just a few, as well as our local partners including Barnsley Council and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.
“Our days of action like these allow us to focus on specific issues we know are affecting the residents of Barnsley, so that we can take those involved in crime within our local communities off the streets and ensure that the town is a safer place to live and work.
“Operation Duxford also provides an opportunity for officers to engage with members of the community and find out what their concerns are. We are always happy to listen and provide advice and support where we can.
“I encourage you to continue to tell us about the issues that matter to you our officers are there to help and together, we can make sure everyone in Barnsley is safe.”
