More than 20 arrests and drugs and axe seized in dedicated day of police activity

POLICE made more than 20 arrests and seized Class A drugs along with weapons including knives and an axe during a dedicated day of action in Doncaster

Officers carried out 19 stop searches, four vehicle searches and 32 vehicle stops — recovering four stolen vehicles — during the 24-hour Operation Duxford yesterday, which saw the district and Fortify teams supported by specialist resources from across the force and partner organisations.

The 21 arrests throughout the day were for offences including burglary, attempted burglary, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, theft and weapons offences.

Two dangerous dogs were also seized during the operation, which was led by officers and staff in Operation Castle, the new policing operation response to burglary.

As well as enforcement, the teams carried out plain clothes and high-visibility patrols in known burglary hot-spot areas, conducted a number of curfew checks and held engagement events across the city. 

They also visited 12 second hand shops to provide advice on how not to fall victim to people trying to offload stolen goods.

Supt Pete Thorp, who oversaw the activity, said: “Yesterday’s 24-hour operation was a huge success, and it was fantastic to see units from across the force – as well as partner agencies – come together to tackle burglary and other criminality across the district.

“The additional resources provided by specialist teams from across the force allow us to make a big impact during these days of action, executing warrants, making arrests and providing reassurance to residents.”

Det Sgt James Wiggins, who leads the Operation Castle burglary response, added: “Since the launch of Operation Castle we have been working to target known burglars and identifying trends to focus our work and patrols. Our investigations have already resulted in a number of offenders being charged and remanded into custody.

“It was great to be involved in Operation Duxford and utilise the extra resources these days of action bring to arrest a number of suspected burglars and recover stolen property.”