300 charged in blitz on booze crime

HUNDREDS of people have been charged following a police operation to clampdown on booze-fuelled crime.

Operation Admiral resulted in 800 arrests, with 300 people charged with various offences relating to violence. A further 80 people have been bailed pending further inquiries and 41 have been cautioned.

There were 56 arrests in Oldham with 21 charged, 14 bailed, four cautioned, and five penalty notices issued for disorder.

In one of the biggest single-day operations GMP has ever run, more than 3,000 officers and staff took to the streets over a 24-hour period to tackle violent crime.

High levels of police activity were focused on visiting licensed premises and warning retailers about the need to sell alcohol responsibly.

A key part of Operation Admiral was to encourage sensible drinking, linking into the Think safe, Drink safe campaign.

The operation came after a Government survey revealed that one in three people across the North-West see drunk or rowdy behaviour as a major issue.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: “This was a major operation for the force and I am pleased with the results we achieved but of course the work continues.

“We are committed to making our town and city centres safer and working with the public, parents and licensees we are determined to build upon the success of this operation by further reducing violent crime and giving people the confidence to enjoy their town centres without fear of being assaulted.”

Greater Manchester Police’s Think safe, Drink safe campaign encourages people to go out and have fun while sticking with their friends, pacing their drinks and carefully planning their journey home.

The Force worked closely with its partner agencies such as the Crown Prosecution Service and the court system throughout the operation to cope with the demands of the large number of prisoners