A BARNSLEY-WIDE crime clampdown saw more than 100 police officers take to the streets on an action day this week.

Operation Duxford, which aimed to flush out criminal activity, protect vulnerable people and engage with the local community, took place on Wednesday.

Barnsley district commander Ch Supt Scott Green and Chf Insp Chris Foster joined sergeants, officers and PCSOs from Barnsley’s six neighbourhood hubs including the town centre, Cudworth, Goldthorpe, Kendray, Penistone and Royston for a briefing at Churchfields station before teams were deployed across the town.

Chf Insp Foster, who led the operation, said: “Officers were out conducting intelligence-led warrants early in the day and further activity continued throughout the day.

“One of our aims was to disrupt the activities of organised crime groups, particularly in relation to the supply and distribution of drugs including spice.

“This formed part of an ongoing week of action across the force looking at the exploitation of vulnerable people, particularly children, in what’s known as county lines.

“Duxford is also about putting additional resources towards addressing issues raised by the local community, identifying any vulnerable people and directing them towards the necessary help and support services.”

Inspectors Andy Norton and Julie Mitchell conducted an online PACT meeting, which encouraged Facebook users to submit their questions regarding neighbourhood policing issues which could be passed on to district teams.

As well as police, partners including Barnsley Council, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and Trading Standards joined in, while a particular focus was put on Hoyland, Grimethorpe and Thurnscoe areas identified where confidence levels in the police were lower than average.

“We have had specific operations running for issues relating to scrap metal, counterfeit cigarettes, test purchase operations and taxi licensing checks.

“The work undertaken as part of Operation Duxford forms part of the wider things officers are carrying out every day.

“There’s one per month across South Yorkshire but it only comes back to Barnsley every fourth month so it’s a massively important thing to have.”

Mark Giles, the council’s Safer Neighbourhood Service manager, told the Chronicle dozens of vehicles were stopped by officers on Westway, near the town centre.

More than 50 vehicles were stopped, while seven were seized for having no insurance.

“As part of Duxford we’ve been working alongside police to check taxis for any defects, which could affect passengers’ safety, as well as checking waste carriers’ licences and for red diesel,” Mark added.

“It’s always good to get involved with partners and although Wednesday was a positive day for us as not many people were found to be breaching laws, particularly the town’s taxi drivers, it gets the message out that we’re taking proactive steps to continue good working practice in Barnsley.”

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All in a day’s work...

MORE than 8,000 counterfeit cigarettes were seized and ten people were arrested during the police’s Operation Duxford crime blitz on Wednesday.

The cigarettes, taken from unlinked premises on Eldon Street in the town centre and Sheffield Road, were confiscated by trading standards, one of the partners working alongside police on the day.

People were arrested for a wide range of offences including spice and cannabis possession and handling stolen goods, while officers carried out early morning warrants in which suspected burglars were apprehended.

Chief Inspector Chris Foster, who led the operation, said: “The results are very good and show just how much can be achieved in a single day of action.

“As well as the stand-out cigarette haul and the arrests, officers carried out a speeding operation in the Dearne which resulted in 28 motorists being caught breaking the limit.

“More than 2,500 people in Barnsley were engaged and were really grateful to see us out and about.”