THE start to a winter crime crackdown in West Yorkshire has led to 455 arrests.

In Kirklees and Calderdale 71 people were detained as part of phase one of the latest anti-crime campaign.

People arrested last week included those wanted for crimes including burglary, robbery and vehicle crime.

The number of reported robberies has now dropped countywide and only one was reported in Huddersfield all last week.

The initiative also focused on travelling criminals and roadside Automatic Number Plate Recognition checks led to a huge reduction in the number of vehicle crimes reported.

Final figures reveal that the daily average has dropped 28% from 142 to 103, when compared to last month.

Burglary has also fallen by 10% from 58 to 52. Overall the number of crimes reported has dropped by 7% from 802 to 745.

During the week, about 60 vehicles were seized including stolen or untaxed ones, uninsured cars and some believed to have been used in crime.

A Ford Transit van and a Land Rover Defender were seized in Huddersfield after they were stolen from Leeds and Halifax.

Det Chief Insp John Gilbody, who led the operation, said: "This operation has proved hugely successful and we are delighted with the results.

"Arrests across the county have had an impact on the number of offences committed and many divisions have seen a significant reduction in the number of robberies and burglaries reported.

"This week of action shows the lengths we will go to target those we feel are responsible.

"Criminals in West Yorkshire should be under no illusions because this is not all we have planned.

"If they don't want to see in the New Year behind bars then we'd strongly recommend a crime-free Christmas."