39 arrested as drugs, cash and watches seized in fourth Operation Vanguard
Merseyside Police has arrested 39 people and seized suspected drugs, cash and stolen property during the fourth Operation Vanguard across the Liverpool City Region today, Thursday 12 November.
Officers executed 23 warrants this morning before visiting named suspects later in the day, leading to further arrests. A separate roadside operation by the Roads Policing Team also resulted in arrests and enforcement notices for a range of driving offences.
The suspects were arrested on suspicion of offences including rape, sexual assault, domestic abuse, wounding, robbery, possession and supply of drugs, handling stolen goods, drink driving and drug driving.
Police said they seized a BB gun, suspected stolen e-bikes, half a kilo of cocaine, £25,000 in cash, two Rolex watches and six Audemars Piguet watches.
The operation also included land searches and safeguarding work involving vulnerable people believed to be exploited by criminals. Mounted and Dogs teams carried out patrols, while officers from Op Gears targeted the illegal use of electric bikes, e-scooters and off-road motorcycles.
Silver commander Geoff Stewart said: “Today has already seen dozens of arrests for serious offences, dangerous illegal drugs seized and cash we suspect was generated by criminality seized.
“Operation Vanguard is all about disrupting the actions of criminals who bring nothing but misery to our communities, demonstrating the many tools and tactics at our disposal to tackle offenders and bring them to justice.
“Our work alongside partners to target such criminals continues all year round. We know the impact they can have and I want the public to feel reassured that we are committed to removing these criminals from our streets.”
The previous force-wide Operation Vanguard, held on 23 July, resulted in 66 arrests after 45 warrants were carried out across Merseyside.
Information can be reported to Merseyside Police by calling 101 or contacting @MerPolCC on social media. Anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency.
