The authorities in South Yorkshire, UK, have cracked down on illicit gaming across Sheffield and Doncaster, seizing gold, and hundreds of thousands of pounds in cash. The raids ran for two days and were part of the latest editions of Operation Duxford and Operation Snaresbrook.
Three People Were Arrested
Between August 4 and 5, the South Yorkshire Police executed search warrants in Sheffield and Doncaster. The action was undertaken in partnership with local authorities and partner agencies, such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), Yorkshire & Humber Regional and Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU), and Immigration Enforcement.
According to the police’s official announcement, officers discovered 16 illegal betting terminals inside venues on London Road, Sheffield, and Silver Street, Doncaster. In addition to the unlicensed machines, the police also found large amounts of cash and gold in the form of bars, coins and jewelry. The seized cash was over GBP 110,000.
The police also arrested three people believed to have committed immigration and gambling offenses, or to have possessed a bladed article.
In addition to the illegal gambling crackdown, additional warrants saw the police seize three motorcycles believed to have been stolen. Separate warrants led to the discovery of 2,200+ packs of counterfeit tobacco and a cannabis setup. Four more people were arrested as a result of these warrants.
This Is Not a One-Off, Officials Warned
Sheffield South West Neighbourhood Policing Team inspector Amy Mellor was pleased with the strong action and attributed the success of the aforementioned operations to partnerships with partnering organizations.
Weeks of planning alongside colleagues has allowed us to develop intelligence and crack down on the harmful trade of illegal gambling, which we know can fund other activity linked to organised crime.
Amy Mellor
Mellor added that this was not a one-off initiative and that similar action will continue.
Sue Young, executive director of operations at the UKGC, also weighed in on the matter, emphasizing that illegal gambling is not a “victimless crime,” since unlicensed operators are usually tied to wider criminal activity. In addition to that, unlicensed gaming operations disrupt regulated gaming and expose vulnerable players to potential harm.
Young said: “This action should send a clear message – if you’re running an illegal gambling operation we will work with police and other partners to shut you down and ensure you face serious consequences.”