Op Vermont: 10 arrests, drugs and weapons seized in Knowsley

Officers were in Knowsley yesterday (Wednesday, 6 April) in an ongoing proactive policing operation to find criminals and protect those living in the area.

The day’s activities under Operation Vermont involved officers from across the force focussing on community issues and proactively targeting criminals.

Throughout the day uniformed police patrolled the streets of Huyton and talked to locals about the work being carried out to provide reassurance.

In addition officers undertook a number of stop searches which led to arrests, and roadside operations were conducted with fines being issued for motoring offences. Open land searches took place in Tower Hill and Webster Park in Kirkby where a bladed weapon and concealed alcohol were recovered.

The day’s activities resulted in 10 people being arrested on suspicion of offences including possession of a controlled drug, assault and possession of indecent images. Suspects were aged between 29 years and 61 years from Huyton, Kirkby and Prescot.

Four warrants were executed at addresses in Kirkby where it was suspected criminal activity was taking place, and a number of weapons and drugs were seized.

Specific addresses were also targeted to deter young offenders from getting involved with drug gangs. As a result four young people have been referred to a specialist support network that supports young people who want to change their lives.

While in the area, the Matrix Mounted division popped in to see children from St Annes Primary School in Huyton who were pleased to see the horses and chat to officers.

Superintendent Karl Baldwin, Knowsley Local Policing, said: “Yesterday’s operation is a proactive approach to tackling issues that matter most to Knowsley residents and keep our streets safe.

“Our officers proactively patrol key areas in Knowsley every day of the year, but we know that days of action such this which take place across Merseyside really do work.

“It provides an opportunity for officers to talk to residents about issues which they would have told us about. As a result we have obtained a significant amount of intelligence on suspects who will be arrested in the foreseeable future.

“A lot of the activity carried out centred around areas where we regularly have reports of criminality and antisocial behaviour.

“This wouldn’t be possible without the help from residents which is vital and really helps in in bringing offenders to justice. Therefore I would urge people to continue to come forward so we can take action.”

Anyone who has information about drug dealing in the community or knows where weapons are being stored or who is using them can contact us by sending a DM to @MerPolCC, calling 101 or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Alternatively talk in confidence to Knowsley Council’s Crime and Communities Team by emailing [email protected]