(Image: West Yorkshire Police)
Hundreds of vehicles have been searched in a major immigration crime crackdown.
The operation, which took place across Yorkshire and Humberside under Operation Lockstream, led to 645 vehicle searches, spoken to 412 people, and the seizure of 10 cars and 16 e-bikes.
Six people were arrested in connection with organised immigration, fraud, and other offences.
Operation Lockstream is a national initiative targeting organised crime groups involved in illegal entry into the UK, often exploiting vulnerable individuals through dangerous and exploitative journeys.
The two-week enforcement period ran from September 21 to October 5 and focused on deterring immigration crime across road, rail, and port networks in the region.
Seventeen multi-agency operations were carried out by West Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, and Humberside police, alongside Border Force officials.
Detective Chief Inspector Jim Horsfield, of the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU), said: "Organised Immigration Crime is a complex and evolving threat and has been recognised in the UK as a national high-priority threat.
"Intelligence and evidence gathered will feed into further investigations and activity.
"It will help to inform how those using small boats are subsequently utilising the UK’s road and rail network and focusing on other possible clandestine methods of entry through ports and the onward use of road and rail.
"By disrupting organised criminal use transport networks, police and partners are protecting vulnerable people, reducing criminal activity and making it harder for organised crime groups to operate.
"The intensification period highlights the continued work that our officers and partners do to protect our region."
The operation, which took place across Yorkshire and Humberside under Operation Lockstream, led to 645 vehicle searches, spoken to 412 people, and the seizure of 10 cars and 16 e-bikes (Image: West Yorkshire Police)
Officers issued 62 traffic fines totalling £8,550 and generated 63 intelligence reports, 53 of which related to organised immigration threats.
Organised immigration crime remains a high-priority threat in the UK, with criminal groups exploiting vulnerable people and exposing them to exploitation.
The public is being urged to look out for signs of exploitation, including individuals without access to ID documents, signs of abuse, debt bondage, poor living conditions, lack of employment contracts, and being transported to work in groups.
Other warning signs include individuals being picked up and dropped off at unusual times, working long hours, inadequate work equipment, and poor language skills.
Anyone with concerns is encouraged to contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or using the force’s live chat service at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat.
Reports can also be made via Stop the Traffick, a Home Office-endorsed charity.