50 arrests in crackdown on criminals

The first week of the operation - codenamed Maximum Impact - also saw more than 60,000 of drugs seized and 23 vehicles impounded. People were arrested for a variety of alleged offences including burglary, criminal damage and failing to appear in court. A number were arrested following drugs raids. The operation is part of a region-wide crackdown on crime and involved neighbouring police forces, along with HM Customs and Excise, Trading Standards and the DVLA.

Police have been giving crime prevention advice across Rotherham in conjunction with Rotherham Council as part of the operation and in the first week 178 shed alarms and 164 window alarms were handed out to people considered most at risk.

The council was also involved in a number of environmental clean-ups and 143 crime reduction surveys were carried out at hotspots for criminal activity.

Police have also stepped up their presence on the streets in some areas where youth nuisance is a problem.