Swords & large quantity of drugs seized as 33 arrested in Rotherham crime crackdown

Cops arrested 33 suspects and found a large quantity of drugs, cash and two swords during a special operation targeting criminals in Rotherham.

The latest Operation Duxford dedicated day of action saw South Yorkshire Police officers and partners get together to target local issues.

Teams from across the force including the Tactical Support Group (TSG), Fortify team, Roads Policing Group (RPG), Roads Proactive Policing Team (RPPT) and Neighbourhood Policing Teams joined together.

The main themes of the day included drug and vehicle crime, modern slavery and child exploitation.

The operation - which took place on Wednesday (October 14) started with some early morning warrants at multiple addresses, where officers discovered large quantities of drugs and cash.

Officers carried out high visibility patrols along with property visits, stop searches and community engagement in the Wharncliffe and Eastwood areas, as well as focusing on illegal working and modern slavery.

Later in the day, officers carried out vehicle checks to identify outstanding stolen vehicles and vehicles with no insurance and MOT.

Whilst out on patrol, officers also identified two individuals riding dangerously on an off-road bike and a pursuit commenced, with two suspects caught and arrested.

Several vehicles were also seized throughout the day.

Throughout the evening, officers carried out a proactive operation with the aim of identifying and safeguarding children against child exploitation and neglect.

Teams also worked closely with Rotherham Borough Council to carry out inspections and licensing checks at several retail premises.

In total, 33 suspects were arrested across the day for multiple offences, including theft, theft of a motor vehicle, shoplifting, possession of drugs with intent to supply, money laundering, failing to stop and no vehicle insurance.

Officers seized more than £60,000 in cash and 50kg of cannabis, as well as seizing a quantity of cocaine, two swords, a makeshift spear and a taser.

Det Supt Anna Sedgwick said: “Yesterday’s Operation Duxford in Rotherham was an extremely well-planned and executed day of action, with successful team and partnership working that resulted in 33 arrests being made and a significantly large amount of cash and drugs being discovered by officers.

“Our officers also engaged with local communities to tell them about the work we’re currently doing to ensure that our town is a safe place to live, work and visit, reassuring them that we are working hard to take criminals off our streets.

“I am very pleased with the results from yesterday and this clearly shows that working together, whether this is working with different teams, partners and with our local communities, can have a huge impact in tackling crime.

“I want to thank everyone who was involved in yesterday’s efforts - we could not achieve the results we have without everyone’s commitment and hard work.

“However, it doesn’t stop there - we will continue to act on intelligence we receive from the public which helps us to directly focus our efforts within specific areas and on specific types of offending.

“I urge you to tell us about anything you may have seen or know about that concerns you. We are stronger when we work together.”