West Yorkshire Police have intensified action against shop theft in Huddersfield and Dewsbury, making dozens of arrests as part of a winter-long operation to improve safety for retailers, shoppers and town centre businesses.
Proactive town centre teams have been targeting prolific offenders following a busy trading period, with officers making 56 arrests during the final four weeks of December 2025. During the same period, police seized alcohol on 14 occasions and prosecuted 14 individuals for breaching Community Protection Notices that ban them from entering certain areas.
Arrests were linked to offences including shoplifting, assault, robbery and recall to prison.
Activity has continued into January, with officers from the Huddersfield Town Centre Proactive Team conducting covert plain-clothes patrols alongside Kirklees BID and store security teams to identify and detain suspected shoplifters.
Over the past two weeks alone, police made a further 32 arrests, including two men wanted in connection with multiple offences such as assault, theft and criminal damage, with one subsequently recalled to prison. A third man was also arrested on suspicion of theft in Huddersfield town centre.
Police said intelligence shared by retailers and partners has helped identify other known prolific shoplifters and individuals believed to be actively targeting stores.
The enforcement drive forms part of an ongoing operation launched in October, aimed at tackling burglary, shop theft, street crime and antisocial behaviour across both towns. Enhanced evening and night-time patrols have been taking place in key locations including bus stations, marketplaces and retail hubs, supported by police dog units and the force’s Mounted Section.
Inspector Mark Pattinson of Kirklees Police said the increased visibility and targeted operations were already delivering results.
“Since October last year we have carried out a series of extra patrols and operations in both Huddersfield and Dewsbury with large numbers of arrests made,” he said. “Feedback from shoppers, residents and businesses has been really positive and we hope those using both town centres have been reassured by the action so far.
“This extra high visibility activity, and our covert plain clothes patrols to hunt for suspects, are continuing all the way through winter.”
He also urged retailers and the public to continue sharing information to help direct police resources effectively, with reports able to be made via 101, online, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.