INCREASED stop and search powers have been temporarily put in place in parts of West Yorkshire.

Senior officers at Huddersfield have authorised the use of Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 to detect and deter the carrying of offensive weapons, following recent incidents and intelligence suggesting an increased potential for violent crime.

The temporary powers have been put in place in the town centre, Birkby, Ashbrow, and Fartown areas of Huddersfield. 

The order came into effect at 4pm today for an initial 15 hours, and its continuation will be subject to regular reviews.  

It gives police the power to search people or vehicles for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments without them having to have their usual grounds to suspect each person searched.  

Inspector Graham Dyson, of the Huddersfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “These additional search powers give officers an increased ability to stop those involved in carrying weapons.

“This is about disrupting, deterring and bringing to justice those who involve themselves in this type of criminal behaviour.  

“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team also continue to carry out increased patrols in the area to deter any further incidents and reassure the wider community. 

“These officers will be supported by staff from West Yorkshire Polices’ Operation Jemlock Team.”