Crackdown really was ‘magnificent’

SEVENTY people were arrested and more than £24,000 worth of drugs and cash seized from criminals in a summer crime crackdown in Oldham.

Police have released the results of Operation Magnificent, which ran throughout August, when 32 properties of suspected crooks were raided.

Officers also seized 19 vehicles that were not insured or that had been involved in criminal activity.

Police were joined by Oldham Council’s community safety team, Street Scene and youth services on a variety of enforcement tactics across the west and east neighbourhoods in the crime and and anti-social behaviour blitz.

Special Constables from the Oldham East and West Neighbourhood Policing teams also helped serving warrants, checking offenders complied with bail and curfew conditions and visiting persistent criminals and those recently released from prison to check on their activities.

Sergeant Robert Howarth, from Oldham Division, said: “This operation has seen some fantastic results with people being arrested for various offences such as burglary, robbery, vehicle crime, prostitution, possession of drugs and drug trafficking.

“It is thanks to the support of everyone involved. Our community has also been integral in keeping everyone informed and supporting us in our efforts to tackle criminals and criminality.

“Other items seized by our officers during the initiative included a knuckleduster, high-powered laser pen and an air pistol with ammunition. By taking these items out of the hands of criminals we are keeping the streets of Oldham safe.”

PCSOs have been visiting crime hotspot areas to give crime reduction advice, carried out mobile patrols and delivered over a thousand crime prevention and stay safe packs to members of the community in preparation for the darker nights when homes can become vulnerable to burglary.

The Street Scene team were also on hand to clear fly-tipping and tidy up shrubberies in the area to reduce the risk of street robberies and youth workers were supporting youngsters by offering diversionary activities such as youth groups and sports in the community.

A breakdown of drugs seizures shows that £10,000 worth of heroin, cannabis, amphetamine and crack cocaine were recovered, along with £14,000 in cash under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Thirteen people were given warnings for cannabis and police issued 11 fixed-penalty notices for people found in possession of cannabis. Twenty-six youths were also referred to for anti-social behaviour.