A POLICE team has said groups are "blatantly ignoring the country's current lockdown" after a busy night of crime and dispersal.

West Yorkshire Police's Batley and Spen Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) were out on patrol last night.

A police spokesperson said: "Officers had cause to stop numerous groups blatantly ignoring the countries current lockdown."

This included a group of children in the Soothill area of Batley, who ran off when they saw officers.

The spokesperson said this shows they clearly know that they should not be out in large groups.

Officers also seized a scooter, in Birstall, after reports it was being used in an anti-social manner.

They then dealt with ongoing burglary reports.

One of these was in the Cleckheaton area, where two males were detained.

The other burglary reports were in Birstall and Soothill, in Batley.

There were also a number of calls made about "suspicious circumstances" where people with torches were seen approaching cars and houses.

The police spokesperson reiterated the importance of following the rules of the coronavirus lockdown.

They said: "It is important that we all listen to the current guidance and instructions from the Government to minimise contact with others as much as possible.

"Officers will continue to patrol and attend reports as normal during this time, and we urge the public to help reduce the strain on emergency services by following the Government's advice."