Major police swoop nets 300 suspects

10:30am Friday 16th May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

MORE than 300 suspects - wanted for offences including robbery, attacks, burglary, and drug dealing - have been arrested across the region during 24 hour police initiative.

The operation, which was carried out in St Helens, as well as all areas of Merseyside, involved more than 200 officers.

Police say they were aiming to to bring to justice those with outstanding court and bail warrants as well as named offenders.

In total 303 people were arrested in connection with offences including robbery, assault, burglary, prostitution and the supply of controlled drugs, as well as being in breech of bail conditions or failing to attend court.

Officers swooped at homes or targeted cars using number plate recognition technology.

The intelligence led operation began early on Thursday (May 15) and ran until 8am this morning (Friday May 16).

Police also recovered a kilo of what is believed to be amphetamine and seized 10 vehicles.

They have yet to reveal a breakdown of how many arrests have been made in St Helens.

Assistant Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: "We are determined to maintain our Total War on criminals of all levels and we have worked with our partners to ensure that we put as many offenders as possible back before the courts.

"Not only to people who are wanted continue to commit crime, but people who fail to appear, either at Court or at the end of a bail period, disrupt the Criminal Justice System, costing the tax payer money and causing a great deal of distress to victims, witnesses and their families.

"This is the highest number of people arrested by the Force in one day and is testimony to the planning and work that has gone in to this operation not just within the Force, but with the Crown Prosecution Service.

"I hope these arrests send out a clear message - if you are wanted, Merseyside Police will not stop until you are found."

• If you have any information about crime in your area contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.