Big Crime Blitz Sees £10k in Illegal Goods Nabbed in Kirklees
Police and partners launched a knockout two-week crackdown on street crime across Kirklees. The haul? Weapons seized, arrests made, dozens of vehicles checked, and more than £10,000 of illegal goods confiscated.
Huddersfield and Dewsbury Targeted in Joint Operation
The Huddersfield and Dewsbury Town Centre Teams teamed up with British Transport Police and other agencies to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) head-on. High visibility patrols cracked down on street drinking and other related nuisances in busy town centres during early July.
At Huddersfield Station, officers used a knife arch to detain a man suspected of Class A drug offences and carrying illegal weapons.
Key Areas Patrolled as Illegal Trade Dented
St Peter’s Gardens, a known hotspot for drug crime and ASB, saw repeat patrols following community concerns.
West Yorkshire Trading Standards assisted in seizing an eye-watering 15,000 illegal cigarettes and 800g of hand rolling tobacco—worth over £10,000. Fake perfume sellers also got a taste of the law with several boxes confiscated, and one man stopped for offences under the Trades Mark Act 1994.
Road Safety Checks Uncover Vehicle Defects and Illegal Plates
Dewsbury officers, alongside DVLA, DVSA, and taxi licensing, inspected 60 vehicles—36 of which were taxis. Fifteen per cent were reported for defects, 14 got defect rectification notices for dodgy number plates, and one vehicle was seized over no insurance.
Sergeant Amanda Holroyd, Kirklees Town Centre Partnership:
“Officers have been highly active across Kirklees, tackling street-level crime in full force. Feedback from residents has been very positive. Street drinking and related ASB have notably dropped compared to last year.”
Inspector Liz Lockwood, Kirklees District Police:
“Our partnerships have made a tangible impact—leading to arrests, weapon seizures, illegal cigarette hauls, and removing unroadworthy cars. We’re committed to ongoing action to reassure our communities we’re listening and taking crime seriously.”
Cllr Carole Pattison, Cabinet Member for Safer Kirklees:
“Collaborative efforts show that antisocial behaviour and illegal activities won’t be tolerated. Street crime hurts local wellbeing and town centre business. By working together, we’re making our towns safer and more welcoming for everyone.”
