Challenger crime-busters piling on the pressure

BUSTED . . . police raid the address of a suspect

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A CRACKDOWN on organised crime networks on the streets of Oldham continued to yield results in 2014.

Operation Oldham Challenger saw 235 arrests, 221 warrants executed, £1.1million of drug seizures, £247,000 cash recovered and 41 vehicles impounded - a rise from the 2013 figures which saw 212 arrests, 203 warrants and £198,000 of cash recovered. Drugs and vehicles seized saw a reduction.

In the last six months 173 people have been referred to other agencies including 48 referrals to children’s services for children at risk from criminal activity.

Of these, nine vulnerable children are now under child protection plans and two children have been taken into local authority care.

Det Chief Insp Chris Downey said: “I’m very pleased with the progress we’re making at tackling organised crime in Oldham. The results speak for themselves. Challenger is not just about enforcement, but breaking the cycle of crime in some communities and families.

“Too often we find ourselves, dealing with the same families and groups time and again. Challenger aims to identify these groups and put in place meaningful interventions.”

Since Challenger began three years ago 677 arrests have been made, 619 warrants have been executed, 119 vehicles have been impounded and the seizure of £8.6million worth of drugs and £1.13 million cash.