Crime crackdown sees 55 arrested in series of raids

A huge crackdown on crime in north Liverpool has resulted in 55 people being arrested following a series of raids, police have said.

About 300 Merseyside Police officers conducted warrants, roadside checks and land searches in Anfield on Wednesday.

Those arrested have been detained on suspicion of crimes including possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs, sexual offences, harassment, theft, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of indecent images.

Officers also seized an imitation firearm, three machetes, drugs, thousands of pounds in cash, counterfeit banknotes, a Sur-ron bike, designer watches and designer clothing.

About 160 vehicles were stopped at three roadside checkpoints, with three people arrested on suspicion of drug-driving and driving while disqualified. Four vehicles were seized and 20 traffic offence reports were made.

Supt Col Rooney said the day of action, codenamed Operation Vanguard, had been about "showing contempt for criminality and our compassion for those in our communities who suffer at their hands".

"While hard-working people in our communities go out to earn an honest living, offenders involved in serious organised crime use threats, intimidation and violence to line their pockets through drug dealing and other criminality," he said.

"We are determined to ensure that crime does not pay, and will seize from suspected criminals any ill-gotten gains such as cash and high value items such as designer clothes, watches and jewellery.

"The Proceeds of Crime Act enables us to seize such property and reinvest the proceeds into policing and keeping people safe from the harm criminals bring.

"It has shown very clearly our ability to deal with criminality on our streets using all the tools at our disposal, but I want to stress that our officers and dedicated teams carry out activity in our communities every single day of the year to keep people safe."

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