27 Arrests as Humberside Police Target Criminals with New Operation

The Humberside force have this week launched Operation Shield, a new forcewide, proactive initiative that is targeting criminals who "cause the most harm and distress to our communities".

Op Shield launched on Monday (11 September), with 20 warrants already being executed over just two days, 27 arrests made and 16 people charged for various drugs offences, officers say that to protect the investigations they’ve only been able to release this information and the launch of the op today.

The force says that over the next three months, Op Shield will deliver a surge of extra resources and focus on clamping down on crime in hotspot locations, with officers ramping up their work to identify suspects involved in a whole host of crimes.

This will include burglary, robbery and antisocial behaviour, as well as protecting vulnerable people by targeting sexual offenders and perpetrators of domestic abuse.

They say that warrants will continue to be carried out with officers proactively seeking and arresting criminals, and seizing any illegal items such as drugs and weapons, to disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups linked to drug related offences, county lines and violent crime.

Specially selected teams form Op Shield, with detectives, officers and staff from CID, Protecting Vulnerable People, Neighbourhood Policing Teams, Roads Policing, Patrol and Major Crime all involved in a bid to detect and deter criminals from every angle.

Chief Constable Paul Anderson said:

“Operation Shield will be relentless in pursuing and targeting criminals who bring distress and harm to our communities over the next three months, with the work in the last four days alone testament to our commitment and dedication.

“Sixteen people have been charged with various Class A drugs offences form conspiracy to supply cocaine and crack cocaine, to supplying and being concerned in the supply of cocaine and crack cocaine, and are now all going through the criminal justice process.

“Operation Shield is building on the firm foundations of Op Galaxy, an operation which was established in 2019 and successfully reduced and disrupted those committing criminality across our region. However, for this intensive period of enhanced action, the team has been expanded and has much more resources available and dedicated teams to tackle a wide range of criminality.

“We will be making the lives of criminals very uncomfortable, and our message to those involved in criminality is very clear; your actions will not be tolerated, and we will find you and ensure you are held accountable for your crimes.

“We are committed to keeping our communities safe and the difference that our officers will make throughout the month will have a long-term impact for the people that live in, visit, and work in the Humberside area.

“Our local communities can expect to see an increased presence from our uniformed and plain clothed officers, particularly in areas where crime rates and antisocial behaviour incidents are more prevalent.

“After the three months of intensive action, our work doesn’t just end there. We will still be incredibly visible with the Operation Shield team continuing in its previous form, proactively targeting criminals, and your local NPTs being highly visible in your communities and listening to concerns, as well as providing updates on the work being carried out to make your communities safer.

“We will always do everything we possibly can to identify and arrest those who have committed crimes across the Humberside force area, to ensure our residents feel safe and protected and justice is achieved for any victim of crime.”

Humberside Police say:

"We would always encourage you to report any offences to us so we can build the bigger picture and take action. We are committed as a force to targeting those who do the most harm in our communities.

You can provide information to the charity Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555111, or on their website www.crimestoppers.org.uk"