Police special action raids and patrols hailed a success in Rotherham

Operation Duxford saw over 100 staff — including constables, specials, PCSOs and specials — conduct raids, patrols and stops between 7am on Tuesday and 1am on Wednesday.

The multi-agency operation also involved trading standards and immigration officers.

Police seized £33,000-worth of cannabis plants after eight warrants were executed, including early morning raids on homes and businesses.

One raid was on a commercial premises on Domine Lane, just metres from Main Street police station.

Officers believed someone was growing cannabis in an upstairs unit, as neighbours had reported a strong smell.

Plain clothes investigators noticed what looked like green foliage through a broken window — but the material turned out to be moss.

Also seized were 25 vehicles for having no insurance or safety defects.

Four men were arrested over firearms offences, four people for drink- or drug-driving and another man for several burglaries.

Operation commander Supt Sarah Poolman said: “Our primary focus was fixed on public engagement, education and intelligence gathering.

“However, we are also very encouraged by the immediate impact that Operation Duxford has had on crime across the borough.”

She added: “The communities and public who we talked to and engaged with as part of the operation were all receptive to our approach of raising awareness, and the response from the vast majority of people was positive.

“I hope our action day will help build relationships, instil trust and increase confidence in South Yorkshire Police and its partners.”

During the day, stalls at shopping centres raised awareness of both CSE and hate crime.

Patrols across Rawmarsh and Wath addressed anti-social behaviour and youth safeguarding, while 120 home visits in Maltby discuss community concerns.

In the evening, speed patrols checked over 300 vehicles — 34 speeding drivers will receive warning letters.

Supt Poolman said: “Criminal proceedings will ensue for some of the people we have engaged with, but on the whole Operation Duxford in Rotherham has helped facilitate an exchange of information and the building of trust in the police.”

Operation Duxford saw extra police resources drafted into Rotherham for the day.

The operation has previously involved similar days of action in Sheffield and Barnsley and will move next to Doncaster.