WATCH: Police smash their way into Eastwood home

Police officers found a quantity of tablets inside the abandoned Selborne Street property, which will now be forensically examined.

The Advertiser joined police on the frontline as they carried out raids on several homes – around 15 in total are due to take place today.

Operation Duxford is back in the borough for the third time and will see a range of engagement and enforcement activities throughout the day.

The focus of the day will be on drugs markets, organised crime gangs, traffic offenders and benefit fraud as well as immigration offences.

Chief Insp Rebecca Chapman said: “If you are breaking the law, we will find you and we are coming after you.

“You will see more police in Rotherham today and we will share our results as soon as they come in.”

As well as community engagement, officers will be carrying out warrants, traffic stops and targeting wanted offenders. 

“If you want to talk to us about problems in your area, we will listen. Today is as much about positive interaction as it is about putting offenders behind bars,” she added.

Eastwood, Wellgate, Brinsworth and Kimberworth have been highlighted as areas of concern and officers, along with partners, will host community events and promote youth activities.

In Brinsworth, officers will tackle parking issues at Whitehill Primary School, Manor Junior School as well as Waverley, and will carry out patrols in areas identified as having problems with antisocial behaviour.

Sheffield Lane in Catcliffe will also be the focus of traffic enforcement.

There will be a crime reduction stall at Morrisons at Catcliffe and residents will be asked to fill in surveys about quality of life issues.

“Operation Duxford is all about us showing members of the community our drive and determination to make Rotherham safe,” added CI Chapman.

Follow #OpDuxford on Twitter for updates throughout the day.