Residents are being urged to get involved in the project to help make Agbrigg better

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

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

Operation HABB (Help Agbrigg Better) is an ongoing initiative which was named by local schoolchildren and launched following information about suspected Organized Crime Gang (OCG) activity in the Agbrigg area.

Since September last year, officers from Wakefield West Neighborhood Policing Team (NPT) have been working with partners and specialist resources across the Force to deliver a range of targeted mandates and initiatives in support of the operation.

Recent police activity includes an execution warrant at an address on Clarion Street where Class A drugs and cash were found. Three people were arrested and two were 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 break-ins at the new Wakefield Trinity Stadium. Two of those arrested received custodial sentences.

Violent crime recorded in the Agbrigg area fell by 12%, with 88 crimes recorded between 1 October 2023 and 31 March 2024, compared to 100 crimes recorded between 1 April 2023 and 30 September 2023.

Organizations involved in Operation HABB include West Yorkshire Police, Wakefield Council, WDH and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Inspector Andrew Dickinson, who leads Wakefield West NPT, said: “While getting those involved in drug supply and other crime off the streets is an important part of helping to improve Agbrigg, it is only part of the work that is happening as part of Operation HABB.

“Operation HABB is about cleaning up the area, both metaphorically and literally – we’re actually looking to have a couple of community litter collection days in the future.

“We want everyone to play their part in helping Agbrigg to be better and we would love to see those who live and work in the area get involved in future events and opportunities.

“We also need the community to support us by reporting anything that makes them feel unsafe or concerned in the area. This could mean providing information to the police about serious and organized crime, but it could also mean passing on information to the council about streets or community spaces that have problems with littering or fly-tipping.”

Cllr Maureen Cummings, cabinet member for communities, poverty and 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 the ongoing activities and events Wakefield West NPT is involved in as part of Operation HABB on the NPT pages on the West Yorkshire Police website or by following NPT on Facebook.

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