Crackdown on burglars in district results in 33 arrests

DOZENS OF suspected burglars have been arrested as part of a police crackdown on break-ins in West Yorkshire.

Operation Shrilldale, which ran during January across Bradford, was launched in an effort to drive down burglaries in the district. West Yorkshire Police yesterday revealed that 33 people were arrested during the operation.

The operation also aimed to reduce the number of raids on garages, sheds and outbuildings. The arrests have resulted in 14 charges and officers are continuing inquiries.

Chief Inspector Michael Rutter, who led the operation, said: “This time of year traditionally sees a rise in residential burglaries, so we wanted to create an operation to target this type of crime.

“Some of those individuals we have targeted are likely to be involved in other areas of crime, and some may even have links to organised crime groups, so it is important that we use our resources to take action against these people.”

The operation was run as part of the force’s Darker Nights antiburglary campaign.

Bradford Council’s executive member for neighbourhoods and community safety Coun Abdul Jabar said: “We welcome the police’s efforts to crack down on burglaries.

“It’s unacceptable that people have to experience this in society.”