CRIMINALS using Barnsley’s arterial roads to exit the borough have been warned to expect more impromptu action days by police targeting cross-border gangs.
Officers from Barnsley’s six neighbourhood teams came together last Thursday for Operation Voyager - an initiative which was borne out of rising reports about criminal gangs exiting the town and into West Yorkshire.
More than 30 officers from each of the town’s six neighbourhood hubs came together for a briefing at 8am, before they carried out warrants and set up camp on Grange Lane, Stairfoot. Working alongside police were partners including Barnsley Council, the Department for Work and Pensions, HMRC, VOSA and immigration officials.
Sgt Darrell Needham, who is based at Kendray Station, said: “We were tasked with looking at travelling, organised crime groups and we got a couple of wanted people.
“It was an excellent example of partnership working and two vehicles were seized, as well as fixed-penalty notices being handed out throughout the day.
“We’re aware cross-border crime is an issue which affects Barnsley due to its close proximity with West Yorkshire, so we’re also working alongside the neighbouring force.
“In the future there will be an operation in each of the town’s six districts, possibly on bi-monthly occasions, which shows how seriously we’re taking it.”
