Shropshire criminals targeted by police
Police launched a major operation across Shropshire today targeting suspected burglars, drug dealers and others involved in crime.
The pre-Christmas strike was the latest in a series of carefully planned police swoops aimed at arresting offenders and disrupting criminal activity.
Police squads carried out early morning warrants addresses in Shrewsbury, Oswestry, north Shropshire, south Shropshire, Bridgnorth and Shifnal. They forced doors at several homes to gain entry.
Officers made 10 arrests during the morning with others expected later or during the next few days. Suspects were brought into custody at Shrewsbury and Telford police stations for questioning.
A cannabis factory was also discovered in the Shrewsbury area where cash and drugs with a combined value of around £130,000 were seized. Officers carried out a warrant at the address several days ago as part of Operation Crackdown. A man was arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis.
Chief Inspector Martin Whitelegg, one of the senior officers involved, said: "The aim of Operation Christmas Crackdown is to bring to justice those individuals who cause our communities most harm and to make our towns and villages feel tangibly safer.
"This is the latest in a series of large-scale operations in Shropshire targeting the small minority of individuals whose criminal actions cause misery and suffering to others.
"These are people who break into homes, businesses and vehicles to steal cash and valuables. They have no respect for other people or their property and their actions are often driven by drug addiction.
"We are also targeting violent offenders and those involved with illegal drugs, especially dealers and suppliers who have no regard to the damage and distress they wreak.
"The purpose of Operation Christmas Crackdown is to send out a clear message that criminal activity within Shropshire's neighbourhoods will not be tolerated. The county is a safe place to live and we're working hard in partnership with our communities, to keep it that way."
Chief Inspector Whitelegg said the police would not hesitate to charge offenders wherever possible. He also praised the public for their support in passing on helpful information.
"We need this support from our communities and we urge local people to contact the police if they see anything suspicious which might be linked to crime. Just pick up the phone and call the non-emergency 101 number. Tell us in confidence and we will checkout what is going on."
He also urged people to use the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800 555 111, where information can be left without giving an identity and where a reward may be paid.
Roadside checks were also being carried out at various locations in the county aimed at disrupting travelling criminals. Local Policing Teams were keeping residents informed, including through leaflet drops, at locations where arrests were made. An "Advan" was being used at several locations in Shrewsbury to help reassure the public over today's heightened police activity.
Officers in Shropshire were working in conjunction with the Safer Roads Partnership, the Central Motorway Police Group, West Mercia dog section, Warwickshire Police and Crimestoppers.
Operation Crackdown also supports the recently launched Christmas drink-drive campaign and Operation Christmas Presence, seeking to keep people and their property safe and secure over the festive season.
