21 arrests made as part of Operation Duxford in Rotherham
It's been taking place in the last week
Operation Duxford returned to Rotherham earlier this week with a key focus on criminality and safety risks which unfortunately increase during the summer period.
Officers and partnership colleagues flooded the district to take part in a range of enforcement activity and engagement events.
A total of 21 arrests were made during the operation - with 11 for domestic abuse offences.
Inspector Lee Emmott said:
"Tackling domestic abuse is a real priority for us all year round, but we know that domestic abuse typically increase during major sporting events.
"We are always here to offer help and support and understand some may be hesitant, afraid or not entirely comfortable about telling the police what is happening to them.
"If that is you or someone you know, then please know that there are other organisations you can report information to, but we want to assure you that we are always here and we are always ready to listen."
Other arrests included offences such as drug possession, child exploitation offences and dangerous driving.
Colleagues at South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue (SYFR) hosted a water safety event at Rother Valley Country Park - which our officers were keen to get involved in. A total of 30 officers received specialist throw rope training which can prove the difference in situations involving water rescues.
Insp Emmott added:
"Thank you to SYFR for their support in this operation. Not only did our officers receive vital training, but lots of you - our local communities - got stuck in and learned potentially life-saving skills.
"We have all seen the tragic consequences that can come with open water swimming and our thoughts remain with those affected by these recent incidents."
Council colleagues and PCSOs from our Central Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) held engagement stalls across Rotherham providing an opportunity to raise awareness of how we can all play a role in tackling violence against women and girls.
As part of our ongoing work to tackle drug supply, multiple warrants were executed by our North NPT, Fortify and Tasking Teams in the Thrybergh area. Our South NPT also executed a warrant at a premises in Maltby.
From these warrants, we recovered a stolen moped, 700 vapes, a small number of drugs, two air weapons and made an arrest for possession with intent to supply.
Insp Emmott continues:
"Days of action like this are used to flood our resources into specific areas and focus on issues we know matter to our local communities.
"I would like to thank all of the members of the public who helped with making yesterday a worthwhile operation. From the people who engaged with officers and partners at events across the district, to those who provide us with absolutely crucial intelligence to allow us to secure and execute warrants - you all make a real difference in our ability to make Rotherham a place we can all be proud to call home."