By KLTV Newsdesk –

A comprehensive multi-agency operation has led to arrests, the handling of illegal drivers, and the sprucing up of streets in the Ashbrow area of Huddersfield.

On Monday, 11th November, Kirklees Police, in collaboration with partners including Kirklees Council Taxi Licensing, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), carried out a day-long operation aimed at combating crime and improving the local area.

Officers from the District’s Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Specialist Catch and Control Team made several arrests for hate crimes and theft.

They were supported by the Kirklees Nuisance Anti-Social Behaviour Team, who conducted multiple patrols on police off-road bikes.

Vehicle Seizures and Driver Offences Addressed

During the operation, two cars were seized because their drivers or riders were uninsured, and one car was confiscated because it was not taxed.

Additionally, three drivers were penalised for offences including using a mobile phone while driving and further enquiries are underway regarding a motorbike that failed to stop.

Colleagues from taxi licensing stopped 15 taxis, suspending the trading licences of two drivers pending the resolution of vehicle defects.

The police also engaged in joint outreach and community engagement activities with Change, Grow, Live and Homes and Neighbourhoods officers, receiving positive feedback from the community.

Knife Sweeps and Clean-Up Initiatives

Furthermore, officers conducted knife sweeps in local parks and footpaths, which were subsequently cleared and cleaned by Kirklees Greenspace and Homes and Neighbourhoods, supported by a community payback initiative.

Inspector’s Statement and Community Support

Inspector Amanda Holroyd of Kirklees Police commented, “I want to thank partners for supporting this significant day of action in Ashbrow on Monday.

“As we can see, agencies have been busy on the ground to both address criminality and conduct work to make residents safer, with arrests made and a number of illegal drivers dealt with.

“The community was pleased to see so much activity on the ground by police and partners.”

She added, “This day of action is just one part of a major package of work which has been ongoing in Ashbrow, with much more planned over the coming weeks and months.

“We are working with partners to bring about both short-term and long-term improvements to the quality of life in communities, with work already ongoing behind the scenes.

“We can only achieve this change with the support of residents, and I urge anyone who has information about criminal activity in the Ashbrow area to contact us.”

Residents can report ongoing criminality confidentially to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.