A POLICE crackdown which used residents’ tip-offs as to where criminals were wreaking havoc has been lauded as a success - after suspects were rounded up and arrested for a host of offences relating to weapons, drugs, rape, immigration and threats to kill.

Almost 200 officers were drafted in from across South Yorkshire to conduct last Wednesday’s Operation Duxford, which yielded the arrests of nine key suspects involved in crime.

Throughout the day, officers and staff took to the streets of Barnsley as they worked alongside the council, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and the NHS to focus on issues put forward by neighbourhood teams who’ve fielded concerns from residents in their respective areas.

Individuals believed to be involved in criminality had a very early wake-up call from officers as morning search warrants were executed across the district at a number of properties within the town centre, New Lodge and Honeywell.

Quantities of Class A and Class B drugs were found at four properties, and three arrests were made were made in connection to alleged supply.

A further six suspects were arrested throughout the day for a range of other offences including public order, rape, threats to kill, possession of an offensive weapon, shoplifting, handling stolen goods and immigration.

Superintendent Emma Wheatcroft said: “From the results we have it is clear Operation Duxford was a success and I’d like to thank everyone who was involved, including our officers and staff as well as our local partners.

“A lot of hard work and effort went into the operation which is testament to the results we have seen and the positive impact partnership working can have.

“Several arrests were made within the first few hours of the day and alongside this, numerous checks were carried out in relation to the possible ownership of dangerous dogs, vulnerable children at risk of being exploited and road safety checks.”

The dog legislation team visited nine properties and one dog - thought to be a banned breed - was seized by officers.

Focusing on protecting vulnerable children, officers and staff from the council also visited six properties where checks were carried out on those at risk of being exploited.

In addition to this, vehicle checks were carried out throughout the day where over 1,200 vehicles were monitored.

Of these, over 700 were monitored for seat belt and mobile phone offences, and five were found to have no insurance.

“Creating a safer town for the people of Barnsley is our main goal, and the achievements of operations like this play a vital part in doing so,” Supt Wheatcroft added.

“Our officers spoke to hundreds of residents throughout the day, providing advice on crime prevention and listening to concerns that were raised.

“However, the hard work doesn’t stop there and we need our communities to continue to tell us about the issues that matter the most to them.

“If you see your local officers out and about within your neighbourhood, please do speak to them as they are there to help and support you.”