Police go to war on the criminals
Oct 31 2008 by Dave Black, The Journal
A TOTAL of 38 people have been arrested during two days of police raids in Northumberland aimed at putting the brakes on the county’s rising crime rate.
Fourteen were held yesterday for offences including drugs, violent crime and theft after Northumbria Police officers swooped on 23 separate addresses in Blyth, Bedlington and Cramlington.
On Wednesday 24 were arrested in a series of co-ordinated, early-morning raids at 16 properties in Ashington, Blyth and Bedlington, for offences such as violence, burglary, car theft and drugs.
More than 50 officers were involved in the operation, which also targeted people who failed to appear in court and those who have breached community sentences.
The raids herald the start of the six-month Operation Conquest, which has been launched in response to an increased crime rate in Northumberland this summer.
During yesterday’s operation heroin was recovered from one of the properties, following the seizure of dangerous weapons including knives and a baton on Wednesday.
Last night Northumberland Area Commander, Chief Supt Kevin Lambert, said: “We pledged that we would not allow criminals to rest easy. We will keep coming after them as we work to drive down crime further.
“People may be noticing increased police activity in their neighbourhoods at the moment, and we hope this is reassuring them.’’
Following Wednesday’s arrests, nine people were due to appear before magistrates in Bedlington yesterday – six who were on warrants, one for burglary, one for theft and one for aggravated vehicle taking. Two others remain in custody.
A further nine people have been released on police bail, two were cautioned and two released with no further action.
Mr Lambert added: “People need to know this is just the beginning. If they commit crime they will be targeted by us and can expect regular visits.”
:: Anyone with information on crime is asked to contact police on 03456 043043, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
