Police scanners used in bus station op

WILLING VOLUNTEER PC Richard Shires searching volunteer Richard Teun at Dewsbury bus station as part of the exercise. Also pictured is Jodie Booth, bus station manager.

A mobile arch – similar to those found at airports – was installed at the main entrance, which police said thousands of people passed under on Tuesday.

Officers also searched people coming in from the far end of the station with security wands. In total, 385 people were scanned by the wands. Two people were also taken aside and searched by police separately because they smelled of cannabis. Sgt Des Sawdon of Kirklees CID said: “Historically this is an area where large numbers of people gather so it is important we try to improve feelings of public safety.

“This was a chance for people to get face to face with officers and to raise any concerns they might have.

“The feedback we had from members of staff and the public was extremely positive. We had some very useful conversations.”

The exercise was part of Operation Viper.

West Yorkshire-wide Operaton Viper is targeting the most prolific offenders, making arrests in high crime areas across the county.

The focus is on delivering total crime reduction, particularly driving down house burglary, theft from vehicles, shoplifting and drugs offences.

Last week, 168 vehicles were stopped by officers in Huddersfield Road, Mirfield, in a bid to stamp out theft from cars.