A MAJOR crackdown on crime in parts of Kirklees proved a success.

The Kirklees Focus Operation by the Spen Valley Neighbourhood Policing Team saw many people arrested or penalised with instant fines.

Police joined forces with other agencies over the last two days to tackle issues such as anti-social behaviour, drugs, cleaning up the environment, providing crime prevention advice, monitoring motor vehicles in the area, targeting known offenders and those wanted on warrant.

Insp Stef Wiseman briefed police plus officials from the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, Kirklees Council, the Drug Interventions Programme, Housing Department, probation service, DVLA, VOSA, trading standards and Outreach/Drugsense.

Sgt David Whitfield said the partnership effort produced some excellent results.

He said: “On the first day alone a static road check saw 89 vehicles pass through the check site. The automatic number plate recognition system took 1,262 reads, with 13 hits to be followed up later by DVLA staff.

“There were also a number of tickets passed out for serious defects, such as defective suspension, tyres, brakes, transmission, bodywork and glass.

“One motorcycle was squirting brake fluid directly on to its back tyre on each application of the brakes.

“Three vehicles were seized for no documents, insurance or licence and an arrest was made for motoring offences. On top of this five tickets were passed out for having expired Vehicle Excise licences.

“On day two 6,935 vehicles were read by our automatic number plate recognition system and there were 77 hits for untaxed vehicles.

“Some were waved into the side and the others will be subject to further enquiry by the DVLA to establish whether or not they have been recently taxed.

“Officers spoke to seven drivers for the misuse of registration plates and they will be subject to a letter of warning. They may also have their vehicles de-registered.

“VOSA imposed five notices for serious vehicle defects which includes things like brakes, exhaust, broken parts, serious corrosion and glass.

“One driver was reported for offences surrounding drivers’ hours and another vehicle was also reported for having no operator’s licence.”

Several other motorists were given fixed penalty notices or asked to produce documents.

There was also one street caution for possession of cannabis.