300 staff searched during operation to stop contraband smuggling at HMP Lindholme
A policing operation was carried out at HMP Lindholme in Doncaster earlier this month to prevent illegal items being smuggled into the prison.
The action formed part of ongoing work by South Yorkshire Police’s Prison Anti-Corruption Unit, which investigates corruption and the smuggling of items such as drugs, mobile phones and weapons into prisons across the county.
"We won't stop targeting those who threaten to commit further crimes inside our prisons, and if you are caught, you will be dealt with by the full force of the law," said Detective Sergeant Gareth Gent, who leads the Prison Anti-Corruption Unit.
During the operation, more than 300 members of staff were searched as they entered the prison.
A number of vehicles were also checked.
The operation was carried out alongside His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS).
Police said no illegal contraband was found during the searches.
Additional officers were present in and around the prison throughout the day, including support from Roads Policing and the Doncaster East Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Police said the checks were intended to reduce the risk of criminal-based contraband entering the prison.
Detective Sergeant Gent added:"Illegal contraband poses a serious risk to the stability of our prisons.
“Having drugs, weapons, and unauthorised communication through mobile phones inside prisons threatens to harm the progress of individuals attempting to rehabilitate during their sentences, which in turn threatens the safety of our communities.
"Prisons need to be free of crime to allow for successful rehabilitation and to create a system that reduces reoffending and makes our communities safer.”
Police said similar checks are carried out throughout the year as part of wider efforts to address corruption and security concerns within prisons.