Warrants, arrests and drugs busts as 200 police officers took to streets in Barnsley

Almost 200 officers and staff from South Yorkshire Police were in the town as part of the second phase of the force's Operation Duxford initiative.

It was organised after concerns were raised by residents including antisocial behaviour.

Activity was focused around the town centre and the Barnsley Interchange, where police say antisocial behaviour has been a prominent issue, as well as in Kendray and Goldthorpe.

Officers executed a series of warrants at properties across the district and throughout the day, making a total of 16 arrests for offences including possession of drugs and shoplifting.

A warrant carried out at Harold Avenue led to four cannabis plants being seized, while a another executed at a house in the Goldthorpe area saw officers seize two air rifles and two BB guns, in addition to a quantity of cannabis.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply. He remains in police custody.

Through working alongside road traffic officers and the DVLA, 16 cars were stopped for either driving without insurance or tax as well.

Chief Inspector Mark James from Barnsley, said: “I’d like to thank the residents of Barnsley for their support yesterday. It was fantastic to see so many people coming to talk to us, to share their concerns and to thank us for the work we are continuing to do to tackle antisocial behaviour and criminality across the district.

“Through working with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, the street pastors, the council, DVLA and the Home Office immigration team and UK Border Agency, we were able to make a number of arrests and remove a quantity of drugs from the streets of Barnsley.

“Operation Duxford enables us to put the focus on Barnsley for a day, however I want to stress that each and every day, our officers are continuing to work protect vulnerable people in Barnsley and tackle issues such as antisocial behaviour and drugs offences.

“I’d always encourage anyone who has any concerns about where they live to please come and speak to us when you see us out and about. We are here to listen and to act on those concerns for you.

“Yesterday was a really successful Operation Duxford for us and I hope it sends out a clear message that criminal activity in Barnsley will not be tolerated and we will do everything we can, and use all resources possible, to prevent and detect criminality as well as protecting members of the public and listening to your concerns.”

Police said additional resources will be made to tackle the issues in the community.

Operation Duxford, launched by South Yorkshire Police last year, aims to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour, protect vulnerable people and engage with communities in order to provide reassurance and make them feel safer where they live.