Humberside Police say protecting communities from Serious and Organised Crime remains a priority after more than 550 arrests during 2025.
From January to December last year, the force shut down 13 organised crime groups, saw over £295,000 in criminal cash seized, more than 550 people were arrested, 189 years in prison sentences was imposed, and 177 ancillary orders were issued.
The force recovered in excess of 150kg of class A, B, and C drugs. 50 weapons and firearms involved in organised crime were seized.
In the same period, officers worked alongside partnering agencies to safeguard more than 120 adults and children at risk of exploitation linked to serious and organised crime.
More than £1.5 million worth in criminal assets was also recovered in 2025 as part of the Proceeds of Crime Act, from a range of investigations.
Proceeds of crime is the term given to money or assets gained by criminals during the course of their criminal activity.
The money seized by Humberside Police asset recovery teams, once processed as evidence, goes back into fighting crime.
Detective Superintendent Iain Pottage, force lead for Serious and Organised Crime, said:
“Criminals involved in gangs and drug dealing will often use violence and intimidation as tools to further their financial gain and control in our communities.
“They exploit young people and vulnerable adults, often through coercion, debt and intimidation, and distance themselves from the misery and harmful reality of drug dealing on the streets.
“They have no regard for the lives of those purchasing the substances they supply. This is a business for them, where making money is the only objective, no matter the expense or misery of others.
“This will often be in the form of gangs taking over a drug user’s home to use as a base for selling and preparing drugs. This is known as cuckooing.
“Enforcement alone is not enough. We work with partners to support vulnerable people and provide reassurance and wrap‑around care to communities affected. Helping people to escape this lifestyle and protecting those at risk is absolutely vital.
“Alongside this, we are part of the multi-agency Clear Hold Build initiative with locations in Grimsby, Hull and Bridlington. This work involves clearing the areas of criminal influence using all available powers and tactics, holding that ground so other gangs can’t infiltrate, and building resilience with residents and partners so our neighbourhoods become safer, stronger and less susceptible to exploitation.
“The results we have seen over the past year are reflective of our constant efforts against who cause harm. But it doesn’t stop here, and we’re not complacent. Our work is ongoing, by continuously adapting and working with partners to protect our communities.”
