Seventeen arrested - Operation Laser cuts organised crime in Nuneaton and Bedworth
Seventeen arrested - Operation Laser cuts organised crime in Nuneaton and Bedworth
Seventeen arrested - Operation Laser cuts organised crime in Nuneaton and Bedworth
A total of 17 people have been arrested from 14 addresses in Nuneaton and Bedworth this morning (Tuesday, November 3).
Officers executed warrants, raiding all the properties at 6am today (Tuesday 3 November) as part of Operation Laser, a robust new pro-active initiative tackling organised crime and disrupting the activities of criminals operating in Nuneaton and Bedworth.
The arrests of 4 women and 13 men aged between 21 years and 59years, were carried out by a total of 200 members of Warwickshire Police’s workforce.
The arrests were made in connection with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
The operation has been in the planning since January this year and is the culmination of months of detailed work carried out by officers and staff across the town.
Leading the operation, Chief Inspector Adrian Knight, said: “Today has been a huge success in making Nuneaton and Bedworth a more hostile place for criminals to operate in.
“This was an operation at the cutting edge, it was a surgical, well-planned operation, and the largest Nuneaton and Bedworth has ever seen in relation to tackling organised crime.
“Warwickshire Police will do all within its power to protect communities from harm and today we have limited the ability for organised crime groups to operate within the town or elsewhere and harm local communities.
“In order to defeat organised crime we must seize every opportunity to tackle it. Organised crime takes place in local communities and causes harm to local communities. We are using every tool at our disposal to bring maximum disruption to their lives.
“Operation Laser is cutting organised crime in Nuneaton and Bedworth.”
Ch Insp Knight added: “We all know how drugs in our communities can affect everyone. We will be working with partner agencies to ensure that those who are dependent on illegal drugs can access support services as today we have taken many drugs suppliers out of action. Getting drug users help will also reduce thefts from cars and homes in the area, as many addicts commit crimes to fund their habit. We will continue to work with partners to help those addicted to drugs not re-offend.
“We also recognise that families are greatly affected by illegal drug users and want to help those affected receive the help and support they need.
“Police in Nuneaton and Bedworth, with our partners and local communities are committed to cutting organised crime and reducing the harm it causes.”
After the raids took place at addresses across Nuneaton and Bedworth today volunteers from the force delivered leaflets explaining the aim of the operation to every household in the local area.
Posters will now also be circulated to key community venues and businesses in the town and large trailers will tour the town letting people know that no criminal is out of reach of Operation Laser.
Talking lampposts will echo in the streets with the Operation Laser message and shoppers in the town may receive a Bluetooth message direct to their mobile phone.
Ch Insp Knight added: “Together with our partners we will improve the quality of life for members of the community. The force will not tolerate organised crime, with the community we will keep Nuneaton and Bedworth a safe place to be and protect our communities from harm.
“I am extremely pleased this operation has been such a success but I see this as just the starting point. I know we can do more. By targeting the wider criminal operating environment we can create additional risks to organised criminals and provide more powerful deterrents. If you tell us about crime in your area, we will take action and you will feel the difference of Operation Laser.
“When organised criminals now contemplate committing a crime in Nuneaton and Bedworth, they will not only need to weigh up the risk of prosecution, but also the impact of losing their lifestyle. Operation Laser will continue to raid the homes of organised criminals, our partners will evict criminals from council premises and we will seize their assets and profits.
Warwickshire Police is urging anyone who may have information about a crime or criminals to call the force on 01926 415000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. To find out more about what is happening in your area visit www.safer-neighbourhoods.co.uk or call 01926 415000 for local policing team contact details.
