By KLTV Newsdesk –

A large-scale crackdown on illegal vehicles and criminal activity in Ashbrow has led to multiple car seizures and an arrest, as authorities continue efforts to improve safety in the Huddersfield community.

Police Take Action on Illegal Vehicles

As part of the ongoing Clear, Hold, Build programme, police officers, alongside the DVSA, DVLA, and Kirklees Council’s taxi licensing team, carried out a multi-agency operation in late February.

The initiative aimed to make roads and neighbourhoods safer by stopping and inspecting private, commercial, and licensed taxi vehicles.

During the operation, three vehicles were seized for offences such as driving without insurance, and a stolen car was also recovered.

Additionally, a driver was arrested for taking a vehicle without consent.

Officers issued traffic offence reports for various violations, including the use of a fake MOT certificate.

These reports could result in fines, penalty points, or further legal action.

Taxi Safety Under Scrutiny

A total of 31 taxis were stopped and inspected by Kirklees Council’s taxi licensing officials.

Of these, four were found to have faults significant enough to warrant their immediate suspension from operation until the necessary repairs were made.

Police Sergeant Aaron Stoney, who led the operation, emphasised the importance of taxi safety, stating:“Working closely with our partners has ensured that taxi licensing standards are maintained and vehicles inspected are safe.

“Those found to be under that required standard were dealt with, with vehicles then taken off the road to help keep the local community safe and prevent accidents.”

Part of the Clear, Hold, Build Initiative

This operation was the fourth major enforcement action held under the ‘Unity: Shape Up’ Clear, Hold, Build initiative in Ashbrow since its formal launch on 11 November 2024.

The programme, developed by the Home Office, is designed to tackle serious and organised crime by reclaiming and rebuilding neighbourhoods affected by criminal activity.

Previous large-scale operations in November and January led to multiple arrests, the disruption of known offenders, off-road bike patrols, and community clean-ups.

Trading standards officials also seized around £35,000 worth of illegal goods, which could have been used to fund organised crime.

Commitment to Community Safety

Inspector Amanda Holroyd of Kirklees District Police reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to reducing crime and improving community life in Ashbrow: “When we launched Unity: Shape Up last year, we made a commitment to residents that they would see sustained work to reduce crime and improve life for communities in Ashbrow, and that is a commitment we are continuing to hold and work to.

“We know residents really like to see these initiatives and are engaging with us to continue delivering positive change.

“More work is of course planned, and we welcome feedback about where we can take Unity: Shape Up next.”

She also encouraged residents to report any ongoing criminal activity in Ashbrow, either directly to the police or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

Reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.