Janine GriffithsPolice and partner agencies carried out a coordinated day of action in Harehills aimed at tackling crime, protecting vulnerable people and addressing concerns raised by the community.
Officers from Leeds East Neighbourhood Policing Team led the operation. They were joined by HMRC Excise and Licensing, Immigration Enforcement, the Police Modern Day Slavery Team and Leeds City Council’s Waste Crime Team.
The day of action was arranged by PC Dixon from the Gipton and Harehills Neighbourhood Policing Team. Several businesses and licensed premises across the area were visited as part of the operation.
Working alongside HMRC, officers seized large amounts of suspected duty-evaded alcohol from two premises. This included more than 2,750 litres of beer, 70 litres of wine and 13 litres of spirits. The alcohol was taken from premises on Harehills Lane and Dib Lane. Investigations into both seizures are still ongoing.
Immigration Enforcement officers arrested one person in Harehills after they admitted breaching their visa conditions. Their visa has since been cancelled. The business linked to the case has been referred for possible civil penalties, which could reach £60,000.
Alongside the enforcement work, PCSOs visited the Leeds City Council Community Hub at the Compton Centre. There, they spoke with local residents and shared crime prevention advice and leaflets.
The engagement gave residents a chance to raise concerns directly with officers and learn more about efforts to keep Harehills safe.
Sergeant Campbell, who leads the Clear Hold Build CommUnity Harehills initiative, said the operation showed a continued commitment to tackling organised crime and protecting vulnerable people. He added: “The day of action demonstrates the continued commitment of West Yorkshire Police and partner agencies to tackle organised criminality, illegal working, exploitation, the illicit sales of goods and anti-social behaviour, while strengthening relationships with the communities they serve.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all officers and partner agencies involved and reassure the local communities we serve, that we are listening to concerns raised and will take action to address them accordingly to keep communities safe.”
He added that police will continue working with partner agencies to identify risks and strengthen ties with the communities they serve.
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