POLICE are swamping trains and buses across West Yorkshire tonight in the largest operation of its size Kirklees has ever seen.
The aim of the high-profile blitz is to improve people's confidence in the public transport system and reduce the fear of crime.
Large numbers of police along with police community support officers and special constables will be out in force, patrolling the transport network throughout Kirklees from 1 to 10pm.
It is spearheaded by British Transport Police and Metro.
They will be working in close partnership with West Yorkshire Police and bus and train operating companies such as Northern and First TransPennine Express, together with the Kirklees Safer Communities Partnership.
They will target and patrol hotspot problem areas that have been identified through information received from drivers, conductors, the public and police intelligence in Huddersfield and Dewsbury.
Drug sniffer dogs will be deployed at Dewsbury station as part of the operation to catch passengers carrying drugs.
Officers will be travelling on buses and trains and patrolling stations and shelters - both bus and train - confronting any anti-social behaviour, giving crime reduction advice and gathering intelligence while reassuring the travelling public.
Revenue Inspectors will also be out and about catching fare dodgers. Metro security staff will be working closely with the police.
Metro's CCTV control room monitors stations 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and controllers will direct police to any incidents or potential problems.
Insp Tracy Metcalf, of British Transport Police, said: "Thousands of people travel on the transport network in West Yorkshire every day, but very few become a victim of crime.
"We are working hard in partnership with West Yorkshire Police, Metro, bus and rail operators and a host of other agencies to ensure that this remains the case.
"The fear of becoming a victim of crime far outweighs the reality of actually being a victim and we are hoping that Operation Focus today in Kirklees and throughout West Yorkshire in the coming months will demonstrate this and reassure the public and travelling passengers.
"We are aiming to alleviate fear, put the realities of becoming a victim of crime into perspective and help people feel safer whilst travelling on the transport network.
"The operation will also seek to deter any potential criminals who may look to target passengers and the transport system."
Metro's commitment to improving safety across the network includes a programme to replace stone-built shelters with modern glass ones with better lighting and visibility. CCTV cameras will be upgraded.
Insp David Glover from Kirklees Police said: "Officers from the local Neighbourhood Policing Teams regularly use public transport when performing their duties and therefore we will do anything we can to support the staff who provide such valuable services to the local communities within Kirklees.
"On this day or any occasion I would welcome any member of the public to approach our officers, engage with them and to share with them any concerns or information they may have."
