POLICE poured on to the streets of Huddersfield over the weekend as part of a high-visibility campaign to fight crime and the fear of crime.

More than 150 officers, police community support officers, special constables, neighbourhood wardens and support staff were out to provide a reassuring presence to the public.

Over the weekend, 23 reports were made for alleged vehicle offences, 16 stop searches were made and 12 fixed-penalty tickets were issued.

The massive operation was part of the West Yorkshire force's Target anti-crime campaign.

Police also flooded the streets of Dewsbury town centre.

Officers conducted crime prevention surveys, offering advice on how to make properties more secure, and hundreds of people were given crime prevention literature and advice.

Children enjoyed free face-painting on the Piazza in Huddersfield, while parents chatted to police about crime prevention, learned about the Crimestoppers campaign - a special phone number people can ring to report crimes anonymously - and the work of police dogs.

Extra officers were drafted in from other parts of West Yorkshire to boost the numbers.

Chief Insp Lorna Meredith said: "The Target initiative in Kirklees was extremely successful in achieving our aim to provide a visible police presence and promote public reassurance.

"It proved to be a useful information-gathering exercise. We received much positive feedback from the public throughout the weekend," she added.

"Many people made the most of the opportunity to ask officers for advice and find out more about crime prevention.

"Patrolling officers also welcomed the chance to talk to people, develop community links and address local concerns and issues."

Kirklees councillors were invited to take part in briefings and watch the operation.

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