An operation to tackle crime on the transport networks in and around Wakefield has been hailed by police.
Wakefield District Police Division joined forces with British Transport Police and local bus companies to patrol the transport network as part of Operation Focus โ a West Yorkshire-wide initiative aimed at reducing and discouraging criminal and anti-social behaviour on the public transport system and surrounding areas and providing public reassurance.
Police Officers, PCSOs and Special Constables from both Wakefield Central and Wakefield Rural Neighbourhood Policing Teams worked closely alongside colleagues from British Transport Police and bus and train operating companies including Arriva and Metro.
Inspector Dave Peach, of Wakefield Central Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "The operation was a real success with members of the public saying they felt safer and more reassured during their night out as well as on public transport.โ
British Transport Police had a mobile metal detection arch at Westgate Railway Station checking visitors arriving for a night out to make sure they were not carrying any kind of sharp instrument. A passive drugs dog was also on hand to identify people who may have been in possession of controlled substances. They later moved to city centre licensed premises.
Nearly 250 people were searched and no knives were recovered. Eight people were found with drugs โ four people were cautioned for possession of cannabis, two people were cautioned and two people charged in relation to possession of cocaine.
"The metal arches and the drugs dog enjoyed a really good response from the public and licensees alike, and we hope to repeat operations like this in the future,โ said Insp Peach.
During the day Neighbourhood Policing Team and BTP officers travelled on buses and trains and patrolled key points such as stations and shelters confronting any anti-social behaviour encountered, providing crime reduction advice and gathering intelligence on problem areas.
Revenue Inspectors operated on identified public transport routes both on trains and buses targeting fare dodgers.
Sgt Mark Seales, of British Transport Police, said: "The transport network provides an important facility for people who live and work in Wakefield. While the chances of becoming a victim of crime on the rail networks is very low, this operation was all about clamping down on the types of incidents that can occur.
"We use a variety of methods to keep the network safe, for example the mobile metal detection arches and the use of a passive drugs dog are just two examples of our commitment to tackling criminal behaviour on the rail network.
"Operation Focus highlights the hard work that is put in every day of the year by British Transport Police and our colleagues in West Yorkshire Police to ensure our transport systems are safe."
Cllr Chris Greaves, Metro Chairman, said: "Metro is pleased to have taken part in such a successful event. Passengers have the right to travel safely on public transport, and by working together with our partners on operations such as these we are making the bus and train networks even safer places."
