Operation Alligator bites down on Kimberworth drug suspects

Operation Alligator saw South Yorkshire Police target St John’s Green in Kimberworth and surrounding areas on Monday and use new techniques including drug swipes.

Sgt Simon Kirkham said: “Operation Alligator is all about listening to the public, looking at our incident log and targeting resources and day one was a success.

“One man, a 24-year-old from Eastwood, was arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis and a 20-year-old from Eastwood, was given a cannabis caution.

“We also issued two cannabis seizures, four stop and searches on suspected drug dealers, carried out nine hotspot patrol visits and offered reassurance visits to eight shops.

“Officers also did two licenced premise checks, one property search, 12 stop and searches and ten names were given to officers to follow up.”

Operation Alligator will run throughout coming months.

Future actions will target Rotherham Bus Interchange, the town centre, Clifton Park, Kimberworth Park and Kimberworth.

They will include drugs dog sweeps, stop and search, CCTV work, additional patrols, mounted patrols, traffic stops and community engagement.

Sgt Kirkham added: “One of the techniques we are using is carrying out drug swipes, which allows us to detect if specific drugs have been used in an area by simply wiping surfaces.

“We will be moving around the area on foot and in vehicles so people will see an increase in officer numbers as we carry out both enforcement and engagement work.

“A key part of this operation is gathering intelligence, speaking to victims as well as working with partners to identify key offenders and nuisance vehicles.

“Thank you to everyone who has reported crime to us as without intelligence this operation would not be able to take place.”