Two Weeks of Operation Shield

Over the past two weeks, specially trained officers from Operation Shield have been working hard to dismantle organised crime groups operating within the Humberside Police area. 

Organised crime has the potential to affect every part of a community and it can take many forms – whether that be human trafficking, sexual exploitation or the importation of weapons, drugs, or counterfeit goods.

Superintendent Andy Maultby, leading the operational teams said: “We are here to serve, to protect and to keep people safe. Our focus on serious and organised crime across the Humberside Police area continues, as we work to dismantle organised crime groups. 

“We remain committed to this by targeting those who cause the most harm in our communities, taking a proactive approach to arresting suspects and preventing crime through operations like Operation Shield.

“Organised crime groups prey on vulnerable people. Specialist teams across my force continue to work around the clock to protect those in our area who are vulnerable.”

Operation Shield returned for a month intensification period at the beginning of March which is focused on cracking down on crime in hotspot locations and relentlessly pursuing the harmful criminals in our region. 

Over the past two weeks alone, teams across the Northbank have made 29 arrests, and nine people have been charged in connection with crimes such as shop theft, burglary, drugs, and assault, as well as a number of domestic abuse incidents.

On the Southbank, teams have made a total of 10 arrests in connection with multiple crimes such as shop theft, public order offences, and assault, and a combined total of 22 charges have been brought against five of those arrested.

Five additional people have handed themselves into Birchin Way Custody as a direct result of Op Shield officers keeping their fingers on the pulse and putting the pressure on to get them in. 

Drugs dogs Darcy has also been out and about with officers helping conduct 18 stop and searches, and arresting individuals in connection with criminal damage, possession with intent to supply, and being in possession of bladed weapons, and dispersed a fight outside of a pub in Grimsby Town Centre.

The Rural Task Force have also been our eyes in the skies working with the drone provided by Humberside Fire and Rescue Services and utilising the 4×4 and Polaris – our all-terrain vehicles – to gather information that has led to Neighbourhood Policing Teams on the ground to disrupt and detain individuals responsible for putting other road users and pedestrians at risk by riding off-road motorcycles anti socially. 

Superintendent Andy Maultby continued: “Whilst this is daily business for our teams, they have been ramping up their work, and our commitment to keeping our communities’ safe remains at the core of all that we do.

“We will continue to make the lives of criminals across our force area feel uncomfortable, and by working with our communities and partners, we are able to better understand the issues our communities are experiencing, allowing us to target our resources effectively.

“Ultimately, if something doesn’t look right in your community, please tell us.

“We would always encourage you to report any offences or provide information to us, no matter how small, so we can build the bigger picture and take appropriate action.”

You can report information on our non-emergency number 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can provide information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.