South Yorkshire Police officers flood Sheffield streets to blitz hardened criminals

Sheffield estates are to be flooded with police officers in a three-month blitz aimed at removing criminals from the streets, dismantling gangs and making residents feel safer.
Superintendent Shaun Morley and District Commander Chief Superintendent David Hartley, with armed response officers on the Parson Cross estateSuperintendent Shaun Morley and District Commander Chief Superintendent David Hartley, with armed response officers on the Parson Cross estate
Superintendent Shaun Morley and District Commander Chief Superintendent David Hartley, with armed response officers on the Parson Cross estate

Police chiefs said ‘Operation Fortify’ would put a ‘ring of steel’ around Manor, Arbourthorne and Parson Cross, where criminals ‘will not be able to turn around without seeing a police officer behind them’.

The operation, launched today, comes after months of planning and undercover work, where key offenders operating on the estates have been identified and are set to be arrested.

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Others suspected of being involved in criminality will be tracked, searched and have their homes raided by officers looking for evidence of offending.

High-visibility police patrols will be carried out on every street to deter criminals from offending and officers plan to call at homes and send information to every household on the estates to ask for information on who is involved in criminality.

Details passed on will be used to help officers build up a picture of who is involved in crimes including drug dealing, gang-related activity and the use of firearms.

Specialist firearms and traffic officers will be involved in the crackdown and automatic number plate recognition cameras will be used to monitor those travelling to and from the estates.

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Sheffield’s District Commander, Chief Superintendent David Hartley said: “There will effectively be a ring of steel around Parson Cross, Manor and Arbourthorne.This is a proactive, very visible three-month operation in areas where most of the organised criminality in Sheffield is centred.”