A police crackdown on shoplifting in Huddersfield and Dewsbury town centres has led to 70 arrests in a month.

Undercover officers took part in a retail crime blitz in both town centres over four weeks in July.

Police in plain clothes targeted offenders while uniformed officers also carried out high visibility patrols.

Apart from the shoplifting arrests, officers also confiscated alcohol from 37 people caught drinking in areas protected by Public Space Protection Orders in both towns and seized three cars which were seen being driven illegally.

Meanwhile, repeat offenders have also been issued with civil orders including Community Protection Notices and Criminal Behaviour Orders making them subject to monitoring and swifter prosecution in future.

Police action in both towns has continued since late 2025 when patrols in the late afternoon and early evenings were stepped up.

Huddersfield and Dewsbury bus stations have also been a focus for extra patrols.

Sgt George Rawlinson, of Kirklees Police, said: “Making Huddersfield and Dewsbury town centres safer is exactly what our proactive town centre teams were created to do, and hunting down criminals operating in them is the cornerstone of our work.

“We continue to work very closely with our retail partners in both towns as well as Huddersfield BID to target our patrols and enforcement action.

“I can also assure retailers and people who live, shop and work in both town centres that they will see much more activity from us in the coming days and weeks.”

Sgt Rawlinson urged the public to report their concerns and added: “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 www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat or anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”