Crime busters go ton-up
Apr 4 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal
ACRIME-busting team of five police officers have cracked down on 100 criminals in just three months, including members of a notorious neighbourhood gang.
Now the specialised crime team in Consett, County Durham, have been given the green light to carry on their war against villains for a further three months.
At the start of the year, the team was given a number of targets to achieve by the end of March. Their successes during that time have earned them praise from bosses and thanks from local people, who have seen a string of arrests along with raids at the houses of suspected drug dealers and burglars.
Between January and March, the five officers were responsible for almost 100 arrests and searched over 30 properties. They discovered cannabis being cultivated on a large scale at six houses, seizing plants and equipment with a street value of £60,000.
Search warrants executed at other addresses led to the seizure of amphetamine and large quantities of valium, along with ammunition for a rifle. A high-powered air weapon, restricted by law as a Section One firearm, and items of stolen property were also recovered.
The five officers have now been tasked with continuing the good work for a further three months, taking them to the end of June.
Insp Andy McConnell said: “Having the team on hand has been good news for residents and bad news for our local criminals. This is what we mean by effective neighbourhood policing.
“Not only have they made a huge number of arrests but they have also taken on board and progressed a number of protracted cases. These include offences allegedly carried out by members of the so-called ‘Grove Street Elite’, who have been a real problem for people living on the Grove estate.
“We have had some excellent feedback from the people of Consett. And we have even had comments from those who have been arrested indicating a fear in criminal circles as to who is going to be next.
“I would urge residents to keep ringing in with information because, even though they have already seen some excellent results, we can do even more in the future.”
Anyone with information about criminal activity should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
