Barnsley Council and South Yorkshire Police Join Forces for Major Operation Duxford Crackdown

Barnsley Council worked closely with South Yorkshire Police (SYP) last week as part of Operation Duxford, a large-scale enforcement and community engagement initiative aimed at tackling crime and safeguarding vulnerable residents across the borough.

The joint operation delivered significant results:

• 12 arrests for serious offences including conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, possession with intent to supply, theft, and assault.
• Drugs seized with an estimated street value of £150,000, alongside £25,000 in cash and high-value items such as Rolex watches.
• 140 cannabis plants recovered in Elsecar, with investigations ongoing.
• Four vehicles seized.
• Community engagement: Nearly 1,000 residents engaged through visits, school talks, and proactive patrols.
• Safeguarding and welfare visits: Council teams worked alongside police to protect vulnerable residents from exploitation and cuckooing.
• Road safety enforcement: Multiple traffic offences addressed, including vehicle seizures and prohibition notices.

Barnsley Council’s Trading Standards and Community Safety teams played a vital role in supporting enforcement activity, tackling illegal goods, and ensuring businesses comply with the law. Welfare visits were also carried out to protect those at risk of exploitation, reinforcing our commitment to safeguarding.

Councillor Wendy Cane, Cabinet Spokesperson for public health and communities, said: "Operation Duxford shows what can be achieved when we work together. By combining enforcement with community engagement and safeguarding, we’re making Barnsley safer for everyone. Thank you to South Yorkshire Police and all partners involved for their hard work and dedication."