Weapons, drugs and 'large amounts of cash' have all been seized as part of a major clampdown on crime. Greater Manchester Police officers descended on Salford yesterday (August 24) for Operation Avro.
It was the second time the city had hosted the monthly operation, which takes place in a different Greater Manchester borough each month. The event saw extra resources and specially-trained officers from across the force swoop on Salford, with a focus on crimes that 'matter most' to the community, GMP says.
Police made 30 arrests and searched a number of properties, as well as carrying out an underwater search at Salford Quays. District officers also targeted anti-social behaviour and burglary hotspots.
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Nine arrests had already been made for offences including robbery, domestic violence, stalking and harassment after the operation got underway at midnight, before dawn raids took place after 6am. Two hours later, police searched a premises with a modern day slavery warrant.
Meanwhile, GMP's Roads Policing Unit recorded 68 traffic offences alongside making 24 seizures and seven arrests, while GMP Traffic says 892 speed offences were recorded during the day. Officers also teamed up with other emergency services and Salford City Council to engage with schools and community groups on a number of issues, as part of the Safe4Summer initiative.
Chief Inspector Lucy Smallwood, of GMP’s Salford district, said: “We’ve really focussed on what matters to you the most, the issues and individuals that blight our communities. Our fight doesn’t stop here though - we will do everything we can to prevent and reduce crime, harm and anti-social behaviour to keep people safe in Salford, not just today but 365 days a year.
“We are proactively gathering intelligence but, as ever, we need members of the public to keep talking to us - the information you share is imperative to detecting criminal activity.” Anyone with information to pass on to GMP should contact the force online or call 101.
Alternatively, information about crime can be shared anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always dial 999.
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