The seminar included presentations on Operation Triangle (Sheffield) and Operation Cape (Leeds) with those present subsequently embarking on a lengthy discussion.
The workshop has since led to some of the methods utilised by West Yorkshire police officers on Operation Cape being employed in other areas, including in South Yorkshire on the Wensley Estate, Fir Vale, as part of Operation Detox 5.
This estate has suffered from unacceptable levels of drug dealing and anti-social behaviour which has led to South Yorkshire Police and Sheffield City Council introducing a number of measures to combat the problem, most notably utilising dispersal orders and curfews.
Operational Detox 5 supported this by executing outstanding warrants and making use of police foot, car, and mounted patrols and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR). This process was conducted in partnership with Sheffield City Council’s housing and anti-social behaviour teams, local schools and community groups such as the Wensley Tenants and Residents Association (TARA) and involved significant consultation and communication with local people.
Police described the operation as “a major success”, with over 60 arrests being made and a large quantity of drugs, weapons, cash and stolen vehicles recovered. It is hoped that similar operations will be rolled out to other areas of Sheffield in the future.
