Wednesday, 8 May, 2024

Residents in the Agbrigg area of Wakefield are being encouraged to support a project by police and partners to make long-lasting positive change in the community.  

Operation H.A.B.B (Help Agbrigg Be Better) is an ongoing initiative which was given its name by local school children and launched following information about suspected Organised Crime Gang (OCG) activity in the Agbrigg area.  

Since last September, officers from the Wakefield West Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) have worked with partners and specialist resources from the Force to carry out a series of warrants and targeted initiatives in support of the operation.  

Recent police activity includes a warrant being executed at an address on Clarion Street where Class A drugs and cash were found. Three people were arrested with two later charged with possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and remanded in custody.  

In March, three people were arrested by NPT officers and later charged following a series of burglaries at the new Wakefield Trinity stadium. Two of those arrested received custodial sentences.  

Recorded violent crime in the Agbrigg area is down by 12 per cent with 88 offences recorded from 1 October 2023 to 31 March 2024 compared to 100 offences recorded from 1 April 2023 to 30 September 2023.

Organisations involved in Operation H.A.B.B include West Yorkshire Police, Wakefield Council, WDH and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.  

Inspector Andrew Dickinson, who leads the Wakefield West NPT, said: “While taking those involved in drugs supply and other offences off the streets is an important part of helping make Agbrigg better, this is just part of the work that is happening under Operation H.A.B.B.    

“Operation H.A.B.B is about cleaning the area up, both metaphorically and literally – we are actually looking to have some community litter picking days in the future.  

“We want everyone to play their part to Help Agbrigg Be Better and would love to see those living and working in the area getting involved in upcoming events and opportunities.  

“We also need the community to support us by reporting anything that makes them feel unsafe or concerned in the area. That could be providing information to the police about serious and organised crime but could also be passing on information to the council about streets or community spaces that have issues with littering or flytipping.”  

Councillor Maureen Cummings, Cabinet Member for Communities, Poverty & Health at Wakefield Council, said: “Everyone deserves to feel safe where they live. We are proud to be involved in this partnership to support our residents and businesses and encourage them to get involved in opportunities and events that bring the community together.”

You can find out more about ongoing work and events that the Wakefield West NPT are involved in as part of Operation H.A.B.B on the NPT pages on the West Yorkshire Police website or by following the NPT on Facebook.  

Information about the different ways you can report, including links to online crime and ASB reporting forms, is available at: Report it | West Yorkshire Police