Eleven arrests during dedicated day of police action

TWO weapons and almost 600 cannabis plants were seized by police during a dedicated day of action to clamp down on known criminality in Barnsley.

The cannabis plants were estimated to be worth £480,000 and included 320 full-size plants discovered during a bust at an old animal rescue centre on High Street in Goldthorpe yesterday.

Eleven arrests were made throughout the day, including for breach of a court order, the production of drugs, sexual images relating to children, assault and failing to attend court.

Other enforcement activity included visiting properties suspected of being involved in drugs production, conducting 12 stop and searches and recovering two weapons.

Some 180 officers and staff from across the district took part with officers from the Roads Policing Group, dog handlers and other specialist teams joining the ranks of Barnsley’s Neighbourhood Policing Teams, response units, and tasking team.

Partner agencies Barnsley Council – under the #JoiningForces initiative – Berneslai Homes, and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service were also involved.

Barnsley’s District Commander Chief Supt Simon  Wanless said: “This is a great initiative which helps us focus our attention on these three areas of criminality we know affect our communities here in Barnsley – child exploitation, neighbourhood crime and organised crime.

“We want to make this a difficult place for offenders to remain at large. And we will protect those who are vulnerable and apprehend those who are looking to exploit them through whatever means.”

Officers also visited estates with Barnsley Council housing officers and representatives of Berneslai Homes to carry out antisocial behaviour checks and carried out environmental litter picking and clean-up exercises.

Cllr Wendy Cain, cabinet spokesperson for public health and communities, said: "We're very pleased with the outcome of this day of action.

"We continue to work hard to address issues raised by the local community and deliver the best possible service to the people of Barnsley.

"We are committed to making sure that our borough continues to be a safe place and I would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work, which helped to make another successful joint operation.