Police have continued to target shoplifters in Huddersfield town centre this month.

After making 56 arrests in December, the Huddersfield Town Centre Proactive Team continued plain clothed patrols and made another 32 arrests in the first two weeks of January.

Police officers teamed up with Huddersfield BID street rangers and security staff from town centre stores to target prolific offenders.

The 32 arrests included two men wanted on suspicion of multiple offences including assault, theft and criminal damage, with one now recalled to prison.

Police were also provided with intelligence about known shoplifters and others suspected to be targeting shops.

The recent focus has been carried out as part of an ongoing winter long operation aimed making Huddersfield and Dewsbury town centres safer by tackling issues like burglary, shop theft, street crime and anti-social behaviour.

Insp Mark Pattinson, of Kirklees Police, said: “Since October last year we have carried out a series of extra patrols and operations in both Huddersfield and Dewsbury with large numbers of arrests made.

“Feedback from shoppers, residents and businesses has been really positive and we hope those using both town centres have been reassured by the action so far.

“As we have said, this extra high visibility activity, and our covert plain clothes patrols to hunt for suspects, are continuing all the way through winter.

“If you have information about criminal or anti-social activity in either town, then please get in touch to assist us in putting resources where they need to be.

“Information can always be reported on 101, online at https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat or anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”

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