‘We’re coming to get you’: Criminals warned as Humberside Police launch Operation Shield

ON THE FRONT FOOT: Humberside Police Chief Constable Paul Anderson. Picture by Tom Arran Commercial Photography

By Rick Lyon

Humberside Police have launched a major three-month operation to target criminals in hotspot locations across the force area.

Operation Shield will aim to clamp down on offenders who cause significant harm to communities across the region.

The force is combining resources from its teams including CID, major crime, roads policing and patrol, as well as its network of Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs), for the huge crackdown.

Officers will be out in force across the region over the next three months, prioritising burglary, robbery and antisocial behaviour. Sexual offenders and domestic abusers will also be targeted.

Operation Shield will see teams executing warrants and seizing any illegal items, such as drugs and weapons, to disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups linked to drug-related offences, county lines and violent offending.

It follows the success of Operation Galaxy, a similar initiative by the force which resulted in hundreds of arrests for a range of offences.

Chief Constable Paul Anderson told The Hull Story: “We’re really determined to be a force that’s on the front foot. We’re going to be in control of our streets, we’re going to be in control of our roads, and we’re going to make the lives of criminals and predators extremely uncomfortable.

“Operation Shield represents an incredible opportunity for us to make a long-term impact.

RAID: Operation Shield follows the success of Operation Galaxy

“We could have just done it for a week, but that would have had quite a short-term impact, and we’re so determined to put something in place that will make a real long-term difference. This is the way to do that.

“It will be really intensive policing over three months, using our entire sweep of resources.

“We are always listening to our communities. Through our Humber Talking initiative, we’re committed to knocking on every door in the Humber area, which is a big ask but something we strive to do.

“When we knock on those doors, people are not backwards in coming forwards. They tell us what they want and expect from us, and we’re acting on that with the launch of Operation Shield.”

Asked if hundreds of arrests could be made over the next three months, Mr Anderson said: “It wouldn’t be wrong to say that.

“Operation Shield will be relentless in pursuing and targeting criminals who bring distress and harm to our communities.

“In launching this operation, we’re building on the firm foundations of Operation Galaxy, which was established in 2019 and successfully reduced and disrupted those committing criminality across our region.

“However, for this intensive period of enhanced action, the team has been expanded and has much more resources available.

RELENTLESS: Paul Anderson speaking to The Hull Story. Picture by Tom Arran Commercial Photography

“We’ll be making the lives of criminals very uncomfortable, and our message to those involved in criminality is very clear – your actions will not be tolerated, and we’re coming to get you.

“We’re committed to keeping our communities safe, and the difference that our officers will make will have a long-term impact for the people that live in, visit and work in the Humberside area.

“Our local communities can expect to see an increased presence from our uniformed and plain clothed officers, particularly in areas where crime rates and antisocial behaviour incidents are more prevalent.”

Mr Anderson insists Operation Shield represents more than a three-month blitz.

“After the three months of intensive action, our work doesn’t just end there,” he said. “We’ll still be incredibly visible, with the Operation Shield team proactively targeting criminals, and local NPTs being highly visible in communities.

“We’ll always do everything we possibly can to identify and arrest those who have committed crimes across the Humberside force area, to ensure our residents feel safe and protected, and justice is achieved for any victim of crime.”

• Criminal activity can be reported anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or by visiting its website crimestoppers.org.uk.