This is the moment police officers uncovered around £500,000 worth of designer goods during a search of a property in Merseyside. Hundreds of officers swarmed the streets this morning (Thursday, July 23), with doors being kicked down and properties turned upside down by police carrying out search warrants.
More than 300 police officers took part in the massive operation, which spanned Liverpool, St Helens, Knowsley, Sefton and Wirral. Police conducted warrants, roadside checks, land searches and more in a sustained and relentless offensive aimed at rooting out organised crime.
Arrests and seizures
A total of 55 people have been arrested so far after 43 warrants were carried out. Further police activity is expected to continue throughout the day as part of Operation Vanguard. The suspects arrested 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, burglary, theft, threats to kill, possession of criminal property and harassment.
Officers have seized more than £60,000 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 subsequent searches at the addresses.
Police statement
Chief Superintendent Mark Wiggins said: “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. The Proceeds of Crime Act enables us to seize such property and reinvest the proceeds into policing and keeping people safe from the serious harm criminals bring.”
Chf Supt Wiggins added: “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. You can also report information via the force's website or by calling 101. Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website.
