Cash and cannabis recovered in police raids across Rotherham

Around 100 officers, with 27 PCSOs, specials and cadets, took part in Operation Duxford.

The day of enhanced action, which ran from 7am on Tuesday until 1am on Wednesday, saw 12 plants, with a street value of £12,000 seized.

Warrants were executed at three Rotherham addresses, resulting in one arrest.

One raid was on a commercial premises on Domine Lane, just metres from Main Street police station.

Officers believed someone was growing cannabis in an upstairs unit, as neighbours had reported a strong smell.

Plain clothes investigators noticed what looked like green foliage through a broken window — but the material turned out to be moss.

Police conducting the raids worked alongside trading standards and immigration officer partners.

They also offered crime prevention advice to Christmas shoppers in All Saints Square and at shopping centres at Parkgate and Cortonwood.

An evening of action against drink-drivers went on until 1am on Wednesday.

Supt Sarah Poolman said on Tuesday: “Today we have dedicated extensive resources to engaging with our communities and tackling the problems that matter most to them.

“Our officers and staff from partner agencies will be tackling crime and disorder, engaging with vulnerable people and collecting intelligence.

“We are making arrests and clamping down on criminals but we are also building valuable relationships with the Rotherham public at key locations.”

She added: “Today’s operation is about making the police visible, building trust and instilling confidence.”

Operation Duxford has seen extra police resources drafted into Rotherham for the day.

It has previously involved similar days of action in Sheffield and Barnsley.