Swathe of Operations Continue To Make Nights Out Safer In Kirklees

Wednesday 27 March, 2024

Nearly 90 pubs and bars across Kirklees have been checked by police so far this month as part of a wide ranging operation to make nights out safer.

Officers from Kirklees Police Town Centre Teams and licencing officers have been speaking with landlords, carrying out drugs dogs checks, making arrests and promoting women's safety in a swathe of night time operations.

A total of 29 pubs and bars were checked in just the last week with high visibility operations with a drugs dog taking place in both Huddersfield and Holmfirth on March 23.

Police also patrolled in bus stations in order to deter anti social behaviour later at night following last orders.

Suspected drugs were detected on three persons during the operation, with another nine persons stopped and searched during the Saturday evening.

Similar operations on March 15 resulted in seven arrests for offences including drug possession, assault and theft.

Attending officers on both nights also engaged with bar staff and managers about women's safety and to check on the operation or initiatives such as Ask for Angela which was widely adopted bv licensed premises in Kirklees.

Funding for recent activity has been provided by Kirklees Council via the Safer Streets Fund as part of ongoing work to reduce violence against women in the Night Time Economy in Kirklees.

Continued long standing initiatives include the Night Safety Bus which launched in Huddersfield in 2022 to provide a safe spaces for those in need, and ongoing student safety work with the University of Huddersfield.

Inspector Mark Pattinson of Kirklees District Police, said: "Making our night time economy safer and reducing violence against women continue to be a real focus for us in 2024 as these operations show.

"Our officers have been highly visible in town centres to deter offending and offer reassurance, and have been working closely with our licensing teams to engage with publicans.

"I want to thank those we are speaking with for their support as we continue to work to make nights out as safe as they can for those enjoying a drink, meal or trip out at a weekend.

"More work is planned as we enter the Easter period and I would encourage anyone who feels as if they need assistance or help when on a night out to speak with an officer, street marshal or a member of door staff."