Barnsley Council and South Yorkshire Police have completed a coordinated day of action targeting environmental crime, antisocial behaviour, exploitation and community safety issues across the borough.
Operation Duxford brought together Housing Officers, Neighbourhood Wardens, Town Centre Wardens, Environmental Enforcement, Trading Standards and police officers to carry out enforcement, engagement and safeguarding activity.
Enforcement and compliance action
Three Closure Notices were served on properties linked to cuckooing and exploitation.
Environmental enforcement officers stopped five vehicles and seized one vehicle during waste carrier enforcement activity. A further vehicle was recovered from a suspected vehicle chop shop in Worsborough following support provided to South Yorkshire Police.
One abandoned vehicle was recovered from Market Gate car park. Two bikes were seized as part of road safety and off-road bike enforcement activity.
Trading Standards officers carried out 31 duty of care visits to businesses in Barnsley town centre to check commercial waste compliance.
A suspicious site containing untaxed vehicles and vehicle parts was identified and referred to South Yorkshire Police for investigation. One referral was also made to the Environment Agency regarding improper use of land without the correct permits.
Environmental and community work
Targeted environmental inspections were completed at multiple reported fly-tipping locations across the borough. Graffiti removal and environmental inspections were carried out at several locations.
A community clean-up in Cudworth resulted in 12 bags of waste being collected.
One person was directed to leave Barnsley town centre under the Public Spaces Protection Order.
Safeguarding activity
Safeguarding and welfare visits were undertaken to addresses linked to concerns around exploitation, with intelligence gathered and support information provided.
Matt O'Neill, Executive Director for Place, said the operation demonstrates the positive impact of coordinated working between Barnsley Council, South Yorkshire Police and partner agencies. He added that the combined enforcement, engagement and safeguarding activity continues to make Barnsley safer, cleaner and more welcoming.