Operation Vermont: Day of action targeting crime and anti-social behaviour in Knowsley

We have made arrests and seized drugs, cash and weapons in a day of action in Knowsley yesterday, Wednesday 22 February.
 
The day of action took place under Operation Vermont, in which officers from across the force come together to proactively target criminals and speak to the public on community issues.
 
During the activity, the following results were achieved:
• A warrant was carried out at a residence in the Windmill pub, Domingo Drive, Kirkby. A suspect was seen to throw an item onto the roof of the pub. Suspected cocaine, cash and phones were seized. A 56-year-old man from Kirkby was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs. He has been released under investigation as enquiries continue.
• A further warrant in Findon Road, Kirkby resulted in drugs and paraphernalia being seized. Enquiries are ongoing to locate the occupant.
• High-visibility quad bike patrols were deployed to Eccleston Park in Prescot and Stadt Moers Park in Whiston following recent reports of anti-social behaviour and the nuisance use of off road vehicles. The team spoke to local residents and walkers and we will continue to patrol these areas to tackle any similar issues.
• A stop-check in Woolfall Heath Avenue, Huyton led to knives being found in a vehicle. The driver will appear for interview in relation to these weapons.
 
Knowsley Targeted Policing Inspector Brian Loughran said: “Yesterday’s action was a proactive approach to tackling issues which matter most to residents in Knowsley, to keep our streets safe and target those who look to carry out criminal activity.
 
“Operation Vermont allows us to draw on resources from around the force. Although such a large volume of police in an area can make people fearful, I’d like to emphasise that such action is to target those we suspect of serious and organised crime, as well as anti-social behaviour and other issues.
 
“We also gather intelligence during these days of action, allowing us to take further action against suspects. Key to this is information from those people who live, work and visit these areas.  I would urge people to continue to come forward so we can keep taking action.”
 
“Today’s activity supports the work we do every day of the year to tackle offending in our communities. Stop checks, warrants, land searches and arrests are happening 365 days a year across Merseyside, often in those areas the public tell us there are issues.
“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.