POLICE and Kirklees Council officials have blitzed parts of Huddersfield in a short, sharp clean-up campaign.
Around 40 police and council officials swooped on Rawthorpe, Dalton and the Town estate between Leeds Road and the Galpharm Stadium.
The action day happened after people living in the areas had complained to the Safer Stronger Communities Service about their fear of crime and anti-social behaviour.
They responded in the joint initiative.
The police targeted troublemakers and people wanted for non-payment of fines for previous offences.
High-visibility patrols by police and police community support officers from 2pm to 10pm was coupled with visits by Kirklees officials door-knocking at homes.
Within the first hour they had picked up 15 youngsters playing truant from schools.
Four people were arrested on warrants and one man was arrested in Dalton after cannabis was seized in a raid at his home.
The fear of crime is often made worse by the fact that some people don’t know who to complain to, so the officials called at homes with vital contact numbers as to who to contact about anti-social behaviour or graffiti.
There are also concerns that some crimes are not being reported.
Other issues tackled ranged from bad parking outside schools to instant clean-ups of fly-tipping.
Computers on police cars linked directly to the National Police Computer meant Huddersfield traffic police could scan registration plates, which would instantly show up if the cars were linked to crime or were untaxed or not insured.
Sgt Iqbal Ahmed from Huddersfield Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “It was a good example of partnership working between the police and the council.
“The officials knocked on doors, gave people important information and talked to them about their fears. Some door chains will now be fitted at the homes of vulnerable people to make them feel safer.’’
