Barnsley Council and South Yorkshire Police deliver results through Operation Duxford

Barnsley Council worked alongside South Yorkshire Police (SYP) and partner agencies during the latest Operation Duxford, a coordinated day of action targeting environmental crime, antisocial behaviour, exploitation and community safety issues across the borough.

The operation brought together Housing Officers, Neighbourhood Wardens, Town Centre Wardens, Environmental Enforcement, Trading Standards and police colleagues to carry out enforcement, engagement and safeguarding activity.

The operation delivered a range of positive outcomes, including:

• Three Closure Notices served on properties linked to cuckooing and exploitation.

• Five vehicles stopped and one vehicle seized during waste carrier enforcement activity.

• One referral made to the Environment Agency regarding the improper use of land without the correct permits.

• Support provided to SYP at a suspected vehicle chop shop in Worsborough, resulting in a further vehicle recovery.

• 12 bags of waste collected during a community clean-up in Cudworth.

• Two bikes seized as part of road safety and off-road bike enforcement activity.

• 31 duty of care visits carried out to businesses in Barnsley town centre to check commercial waste compliance.

• One abandoned vehicle recovered from Market Gate car park.

• Targeted environmental inspections completed at multiple reported fly-tipping locations across the borough.

• Graffiti removal and environmental inspections carried out across several locations.

• A suspicious site containing untaxed vehicles and vehicle parts was identified and referred to SYP for investigation.

• One person directed to leave Barnsley town centre under the Public Spaces Protection Order.

• Safeguarding and welfare visits undertaken to addresses linked to concerns around exploitation, with intelligence gathered and support information provided.

The operation reflects Barnsley Council's ongoing commitment to working with partners to make communities safer, cleaner and stronger, while tackling the issues that matter most to residents.

Matt O'Neill, Executive Director for Place, said: “Operation Duxford demonstrates the positive impact that can be achieved when Barnsley Council, South Yorkshire Police and our partners work together. From tackling environmental crime and antisocial behaviour to addressing exploitation and supporting vulnerable residents, this coordinated action has delivered real results for our communities.

“I'd like to thank all the teams involved for their commitment and hard work. By combining enforcement, engagement and safeguarding activity, we are continuing to make Barnsley a safer, cleaner and more welcoming place for everyone.”