Chop shop uncovered, drug farm dismantled and arrests made during Rotherham operation

A major crackdown on neighbourhood crime and drug supply has seen a dozen people arrested as officers flooded the streets of Rotherham

On Wednesday (1 October), officers from across the force joined forces with partner agencies for a targeted day of action across the borough.

Following an early morning briefing at Riverside House, teams were deployed to various areas of Rotherham to execute warrants and carry out community engagement activities.

Officers from local neighbourhood teams executed several intelligence-led warrants at premises suspected of operating as ‘chop shops’ — locations where stolen vehicles are dismantled so their parts can be sold separately.

At an address in Thrybergh, officers uncovered car parts suspected to be stolen. A number of vehicle crime specialists supported the operation to help identify the stolen components.

Elsewhere in the district, officers from Rotherham South NPT and the Roads Policing Group conducted a targeted operation tackling vehicle nuisance in hotspot areas identified by local communities.

During the speed operation, officers issued 14 traffic offence reports for speeding, driving without due care, and insurance offences. Four vehicles were seized for having no insurance, and two stolen vehicles were recovered.

Rotherham’s Operation Fortify team – a dedicated group tackling serious and organised crime – also executed a number of drug warrants during the day.

These searches uncovered a cannabis grow worth approximately £100,000, along with weapons including a knuckle duster and a machete.

Neighbourhood teams conducted high-visibility patrols throughout the town centre, engaging with residents, answering questions, and listening to community concerns. PCSOs were also deployed across several engagement events throughout the district.

Chief Inspector Kevin Bradley said: “Across the day officers arrested 12 people for a range of offences, including handling stolen goods, theft and domestic abuse.

This operation produced some fantastic results. A lot of planning and hard work has gone into ensuring the success of the day of action.

We are always working proactively to fight crime and keep everyone in Rotherham safe. If you see our officers out on patrol, always feel free to speak to them about any concerns of queries you have.”