16 arrests and 13 knives seized in police efforts to crack crime gang

Operation Fortify focused on Mexborough, Conisbrough and Denaby, carrying out warrants and 30 stop and searches.

South Yorkshire Police say there are 12 active organised crime groups across the Doncaster district, involving about 135 individuals.

Sgt Matthew Cowling said: “We are keen to send an incredibly strong message to members of that group, and also the community, that we will work tirelessly to ensure these people are identified and apprehended.

“Last week we did just that, arresting and charging a number of individuals, seizing quantities of drugs and executing warrants at key addresses.

As part of the operation — led by the Doncaster Fortify Team — the use of automatic number plate recognition was used, stopping vehicles thought to be used or associated with people involved in criminality in the area. 

Traffic and firearms officers provided assistance on two days of the operation — leading to five arrests for offences including drugs possession and driving while disqualified.

Sgt Cowling added: “A taser was also recovered from one of the vehicles stopped, in addition to two fixed penalty notices being handed out and one warning notice.

“A total of 16 arrests were made throughout the operation for a variety of offences and we’re really pleased to have seized quantities of drugs and weapons as part of our activity.

“Officers have made it known to these individuals that if you’re involved in this type of crime, you will be stopped, you will be searched and you will be arrested.

“Rest assured, if you live in these areas, you can expect to see regular operations taking place to ensure these people are identified and the area is made a safer and more enjoyable place to be.”

Items being seized during a warrant

Class A drugs seized and 16 arrests over Op Duxford day