South Yorkshire Police has today released performance results for their Air Operations Unit providing an insight into the valuable work of the Force’s single most recognisable resource, the helicopter named SY99. In 2011, the South Yorkshire Police Air Operations Unit completed 4,832 separate tasks, made 319 arrests and assisted with the apprehension of a further 399 suspects. The team helped find 42 vulnerable missing people in 2011, located 143 vehicles and recovered £2.32m worth of property and drugs.

Sergeant Helen Scothern, Head of South Yorkshire Police’s Air Operations Unit said: “Many people associate the sight and sound of the helicopter with car chases and criminals on the run, thanks mainly to police shows on TV. However, SY99, the pilots, observers and engineers play a vital role in reducing antisocial behaviour, gathering intelligence and locating vulnerable missing people, as well as apprehending suspects on the run.

“The helicopter strengthens the Force’s ability to reduce crime, protect vulnerable people and reduce vehicle collisions and the value of this cannot be underestimated.”

You can get regular updates from South Yorkshire Police’s Air Operations Unit by following them on Twitter by searching for@SYP_AirOps.

[Editor Note – South Yorkshire Police operate an MD Explorer G-SYPS]