Volunteer police officers launched a special operation to thwart thieves using the roads in rural Kirklees.  

Special Constables stopped scores of cars, prevented a potential drink-drive and recovered stolen property during a night time operation in the Kirklees Rural Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) area on Friday December 1.  

The operation focused on communities in areas such as Denby Dale, Upper Denby, Scissett, Clayton West, Emley, Shelley, Holmfirth and Meltham which have recently seen larger than usual numbers of burglaries.

During the operation officers stopped 20 cars and asked drivers to account for why they were driving across residential areas late at night.  

Officers also attended an ongoing report of a rural theft and recovered a motorcycle just 30 minutes after it was reported stolen.

Police also conducted a number of high visibility patrols and engaged with a number of residents who were offered crime prevention advice.

A person who was showing signs of getting into a vehicle to drive while potentially over the prescribed limit was also intercepted and advised to not drive home.

Supt Helen Brear, of Kirklees District Police, said: “Volunteer Special Constables do an amazing job to aid people in their communities, week in and week out in Kirklees, and I thank our colleagues for staffing this operation.

“Their efforts in the Kirklees Rural area will have reassured residents and sent a strong message to offenders that officers are out and about and working to disrupt them and prevent offending.

“More operations of this kind are planned in the coming weeks and I would ask residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour they see in their communities, particularly at night.

“Reports can be made to your local NPT via 101 or online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat and information can also be given anonymously to the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”

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