A total of 41 people have been arrested so far after police carried out 35 warrants across Merseyside. More than 300 officers took part in the operation, which spanned Liverpool, St Helens, Knowsley, Sefton and Wirral.
Arrests and seizures
Suspects 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 drugs, burglary, theft, threats to kill, possession of criminal property and harassment.
Officers 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 searches at the addresses.
Operation Vanguard
Further police activity is expected to continue throughout the day as part of Operation Vanguard. 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.”
He added: “While hardworking 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.”
Police message to criminals
Chf Supt Wiggins said: “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 is asked to contact Merseyside Police's social media desk via X or Facebook @MerPolCC, report via their website, or call 101. Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
