A specialist police team which tracks down on-the-run criminals across Kirklees has made its 200th arrest.

The Kirklees Police Catch and Control Team has detained 200 people wanted for 574 offences since it was launched in March this year.

The arrests included suspects wanted for burglary, sexual offences, assault, violence against women and domestic abuse.

One man had been at large and evading justice for over three years. He’s now in jail. Another man was out committing more crime despite being wanted for 16 offences. He, too, is now behind bars.

The Catch and Control Team was formed as Kirklees Police decided to take a new approach by focusing in on wanted offenders who skipped bail or those who continued to commit crime while out on prison licence.

The team also supports Neighbourhood Policing Teams when there is a crimewave in a particular area.

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Insp Dale Sawdon, who leads the new Catch and Control Team, said: “This team was formed to carry out assertive, proactive policing and the fact that our officers have made 200 arrests since launch shows the impact they are having on the streets.

“The criminals we are targeting include those who know they are wanted but are doing all they can to avoid justice and, in some cases, continuing to offend.

“They should know that our officers are equally dedicated to tracking them down and, as these numbers show, are having success in doing so.”

Insp Sawdon appealed for the public’s help and added:  “Persons who have information about criminals active in their communities in Kirklees can pass information to the team via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat or anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111