By KLTV Newsdesk –

Arrests, drug seizures and community clean-ups drive nearly 50% reduction in crime across Ashbrow

Anti-social behaviour in a Huddersfield community has been cut by almost half in the first year of a major multi-agency programme aimed at transforming the area, police have announced.

Kirklees Police marked the first anniversary of Unity: Shape Up – Clear, Hold, Build, based in Ashbrow, by highlighting a year of intensive enforcement and partnership work.

Officers say even more activity is planned for 2026 following sustained efforts throughout 2024 and 2025.

119 Arrests and Over 600 Cannabis Plants Seized

Since the initiative launched in November 2024, officers have undertaken 11 targeted days of action, made 119 arrests, and executed 15 warrants as part of ongoing investigations into criminality in the Ashbrow area.

More than 600 cannabis plants and £8,000 worth of class A and B drugs have been removed from circulation.

Reports of anti-social behaviour in November 2025 fell by 47% compared with the same month the previous year.

Tough Action on Illegal Vehicles and Rogue Traders

Crackdowns on dangerous and anti-social driving have remained a priority. Roads policing teams have seized 74 vehicles, including uninsured cars and off-road bikes used in a disruptive manner.

In January, officers joined West Yorkshire Trading Standards to target four stores suspected of selling illegal products.

The operation led to the seizure of more than 400 packets of illicit cigarettes, 30 pouches of illicit hand-rolling tobacco, almost 1,900 illegal oversized disposable vapes, and over 100 pouches of illicit shisha tobacco.

These goods were collectively valued at around £35,000.

Community Improvements at the Heart of the Strategy

Beyond enforcement, agencies have taken part in clean-ups of three pocket parks, delivered drug and alcohol outreach, and conducted housing visits as part of the wider neighbourhood uplift.

Clear, Hold, Build, designed by the Home Office, aims to help police reclaim and restore communities affected by serious and organised crime by increasing safety and public confidence.

Unity: Shape Up brings together Kirklees Council, CGL – Change Grow Live, the Probation and Community Payback team, Homes and Neighbourhood Housing, West Yorkshire Trading Standards, DVLA/DVSA, Kirklees Council Licensing, Locala and West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service.

“Real Impact in the Community”

Chief Inspector Rebecca Calpin of Kirklees District Police said: “Unity Shape Up was designed for Ashbrow and named by children in Ashbrow, and since its launch last year, has had a real impact in the community.

“We know this both through the crime statistics and the feedback residents have been providing to our dedicated officers.”

She added: “It is really good news, in particular, that anti-social behaviour has dropped to almost half the level it was 12 months ago.

“This sort of offending can really make life a misery day to day for those who witness and suffer it, so sustained falls in ASB really do bode well for the future.”

Moving Into the ‘Build’ Phase

Chief Inspector Calpin stressed that enforcement alone would not secure lasting change.

She said: “While a substantial amount of ‘enforcement’ policing has been conducted to cut crime levels, that work can only have a lasting effect if it is twinned with social improvements in the infrastructure of Ashbrow and opportunities for people there.

“Partners in Unity: Shape Up have been really active over the last 12 months to improve spaces and offer communities support with education, employment, housing and general health.

“As we now move to the ‘Build’ phase of Clear Hold Build in 2026, it is this long-term investment which will be key to making the most of the gains we have so far made.”