Police tackle organised immigration crime across South Yorkshire, searching 645 vehicles in latest operation
Police operation tackles immigration crime in South Yorkshire
Police have searched 645 vehicles and arrested six people in an attempt to tackle organised immigration crime across Yorkshire and Humberside.
The two-week operation involved police forces across the region, including South Yorkshire Police, alongside Border Force officers.
Officers spoke to 412 people during the crackdown, which ran from September 21 to October 5.
The operation aimed to stop criminal gangs from using roads, railways and ports to bring people into the UK illegally.
Police seized 10 cars and 16 e-bikes and issued 62 fines for traffic offences, totalling £8,550.
Six people were arrested over suspected immigration crime, fraud and other offences.
Officers also gathered 63 intelligence reports, and 53 were linked to organised immigration crime.
The operation, called Lockstream, is part of a national effort to catch criminal gangs and protect vulnerable people.
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Horsfield, of the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: “Organised Immigration Crime is a complex and evolving threat and has been recognised in the UK as a national high-priority threat.
“Intelligence and evidence gathered will feed into further investigations and activity. It will help to inform how those using small boats are subsequently utilising the UK’s road and rail network and focusing on other possible clandestine methods of entry through ports and the onward use of road and rail.
“By disrupting organised criminal use transport networks, police and partners are protecting vulnerable people, reducing criminal activity and making it harder for organised crime groups to operate.
"The intensification period highlights the continued work that our officers and partners do to protect our region.”
Anyone who suspects someone is being exploited can contact West Yorkshire Police on 101 or use its online live chat service.
Concerns can also be reported to the charity Stop the Traffik.