A total of 49 people have now been arrested as a result of the large-scale policing operation, codenamed Operation Vanguard, carried out in Stockbridge Village and Huyton on Thursday (11 December).
More than 250 police officers conducted warrants, roadside checks, land and underwater searches and more in a sustained and relentless offensive against criminals operating in our local communities. The activity will continue throughout the day.
During Thursday, the following activity took place:
- 49 arrests
- 16 warrants executed
- Four land searches completed – including the recovery of buried gun boxes
- Large amount of class A and B drugs seized
- E-bikes seized
- Cash seized
- Eight suspected drink/drug drivers arrested
- Six vehicles seized
- A number of Traffic Offence Reports issued
The 49 people detained were arrested on suspicion of offences including:
- Sexual assault
- Possession of indecent images
- Domestic assault
- Stalking and controlling/coercive behaviour
- Supply of Class A and B drugs
- Drug driving
- Drink driving
- Theft
- Criminal damage
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council commented: “Operation Vanguard was a clear and visible sign of Knowsley’s zero tolerance policy when it comes to crime and I know from speaking to many residents that this was something they greatly welcomed.
“I want to thank Merseyside Police and all the partners who supported this operation. Your efforts over the last 24 hours have not only helped to take drugs off the street and bring offenders into custody but have also made hundreds of thousands of Knowsley residents feel safer and secure in their own homes.”
Chief Constable Rob Carden said: “Yesterday saw one of the largest days of action we have seen in Merseyside, and I know the sheer volume of activity would have sent a very clear message.
“Criminals will have been left in no doubt that Merseyside Police will maximise all of the resources and tools at our disposal to root them out and bring them to justice.
“And I hope our communities will have seen that we are on their side and share their total contempt for people who bring fear and harm to their streets.
“As a result, we have now arrested 49 people suspected of serious offences like sexual assault, possession of indecent images and domestic abuse. Our roadside operation also stopped people suspected of taking their safety and that of others into their own hands by getting behind the wheel after drinking or taking drugs.
“All of these offences impact people of all ages, as well as their families and loved ones, and we are determined to protect them.
“As well as enforcement activity, we were backed by our partners throughout the day with the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, British Transport Police, North West Police Underwater Search & Marine Unit, Knowsley Council and others.
“We are all unified in our efforts to keep the people of Merseyside safe, to safeguard vulnerable people and put offenders before the courts.”
Chief Constable Carden added: “This day was clearly a huge, focused and targeted operation – but it was not a one off.
“There will be more days like this and much of the activity we concentrated on Huyton and Stockbridge Village on Thursday happens 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year right across Merseyside.
“Merseyside Police will disrupt criminals in their homes, as they walk the streets and drive on our roads. Operation vanguard should have been a crystal clear reminder that they are simply not welcome here.
“My ask of the public is that you continue to support our efforts by telling us where offences are taking place – it might be a neighbour experiencing domestic abuse, violence witnessed on your street, suspicious behaviour that could be linked to burglary, or someone you have heard is storing drugs or weapons. Whatever it might be, tell us what you know and we will do the rest.”
If you have any information which could help us to prevent criminality in your area, let us know so that we can take action and ensure our communities can enjoy their local areas safely.
If you have any information please call 101 or contact us on social media @MerPolCC. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/
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 In an emergency always call 999.