Senior officers in Sheffield are urging communities to help with intelligence gathering, as work to disrupt organised crime groups continues.
Our teams are keen to hear from people who may have information about firearms incidents and drug supply, which is believed to be fuelling criminality in some areas of the city.
Superintendent Martin Tate said: “We are acutely aware of the strength of feeling surrounding any acts of violence on our streets, we share that anger and we understand the concern.
“I want the public to know that we have officers on the streets every single day, executing warrants, making arrests, seizing weapons and carrying out stop searches. The intention of this type of activity is to identify and destabilise networks, and let offenders know that they are on our radar.
“You might not always see us, but I can assure you we are there, and progress is being made.
“Our Armed Crime Team have seized 89 illegally held firearms across South Yorkshire since the start of 2020.
“In the last few weeks our Operation Fortify officers have seized over £100,000 and significant amounts of controlled drugs in two operations linked to organised crime in Sheffield. This is the type of enforcement action which is taking place on a daily basis.
“In the meantime, our neighbourhood teams are working with local schools to ensure intervention measures are in place as early as possible.
“I want to assure the public that dealing with organised crime groups are a priority for us and that we have the resources in place to destabilise their activity.”
A number of people have been charged in relation to firearms incidents across the city and a significant number of arrests have been made in relation to incidents which have occurred since the start of 2021.
This includes one man being charged in connection with the murder of Khurm Javed in April.
Four people have also been arrested following a firearms incident on Queens Road on 18 March. One of whom, a 19-year-old man, has been recalled to prison, the others remain under investigation.
Supt Tate continued: “What is absolutely crucial if we are to reduce violent crime and bring those at the centre of organised crime groups to justice, is that local people work with the police.
“We need information from you, we need you to pick up that phone, or send a message which could quickly enable us to make an arrest, locate a weapon and prevent someone from becoming a victim.
“This might be a location where a drug deal is taking place, a vehicle registration, a name you might have heard in connection with an incident. The more information we have, the more positive action we can take.
“We know it can be difficult, but there are so many options and ways to contact us. Be one of our allies, help us gather intelligence and help us stop criminal activity on our streets.”
