Merseyside Police has been thanked for today's Operation Vanguard which has seen, so far, 53 people arrested
More than 300 police officers have been in Liverpool, St Helens, Knowsley, Sefton and Wirral conducting warrants, roadside checks, land searches and more in a sustained and relentless offensive against criminals operating in our local communities. The activity will continue throughout the day.
The suspects arrested have been detained on suspicion of offences including rape, possession of indecent images, possession of a bladed article, possession with intent to supply Class A and B, burglary, theft, threats to kill, possession of criminal property and harassment.
Officers have seized more than £50,000 in cash, an estimated £500,000 worth of designer goods, three e-bikes, three e-scooters, 26 bicycles, a Land Rover, cannabis, suspected cocaine, a knife and more during subsequent searches at the addresses and our enquiries continue.
Chief Superintendent Mark Wiggins said: “Today’s activity has already seen us arrest 41 people, take thousands of pounds of cash suspected of being the proceeds of crime, and seized weapons, drugs, cash, designer clothes, sunglasses and watches
“While hard-working people in our communities are out earning an honest living, offenders line their pockets through drug dealing, fraud and other criminality often with threats, intimidation and violence
“But crime does not pay, and we will seize from suspected criminals all their ill-gotten gains.
“The Proceeds of Crime Act enables us to seize such property and reinvest the proceeds into policing and keeping people safe from the serious harm criminals bring.”
Chief Supt Wiggins added: “Today’s operation is all about demonstrating very clearly our contempt for criminality and our compassion for those people in our communities who suffer at the hands of criminals.
“While today’s activity has shown the huge array of tools at our disposal, we are conducting warrants, stop checks, searches and roadside operations all year round.
“The message to criminals should be clear – if you offend anywhere in Merseyside, you are in our sights and we have the people, the resources and the will to bring you to justice to protect our communities from harm.”
Anyone with information on crime in their area should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or by calling 101.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously
