60 stop searches and 30 arrests made in one day as part of Operation Target activity

We carried out over 60 stop searches and made 30 arrests across Liverpool yesterday, Wednesday 24^th July, as part of our ongoing activity to tackle serious and violent crime. 

An extended team of officers on foot, quad bike, bicycle and marked and unmarked police vehicles hit the streets of north and south Liverpool as part of ongoing Operation Target.

We also carried out roadside vehicle checks, open land searches and warrants and seized drugs, cash, vehicles and weapons. At one property where a drugs warrant was executed £6,000 in cash was seized together with what is believed to be a quantity of stolen property.

The arrests were for a variety of offences including possession of a bladed article, possession of controlled drugs, drink and drug driving, possession of criminal property, theft and prison recall.

Chief Superintendent Matt Boyle said: “Operation Target is not a quick fix solution to the issue of serious and violent crime on Merseyside and we know it is not something we can solve overnight.

“The firearms incidents which have taken place over the past few nights have made us even more determined to target criminals and disrupt criminal activity.

“I am sure that our communities will appreciate our activity and visibility. We are not aiming to disturb law abiding members of the public but we make no apologies for using all our available resources and techniques to disrupt criminals.

“Yesterday’s activity is just a fraction of the work that is going on continuously - both overtly and covertly - to trace offenders and bring them to justice.

“We will continue to take positive action and would ask that the public support us in doing all we can to make their neighbourhoods safe places to live.

“I would also ask anyone who has information about where weapons are being stored, or who is using them to contact us, either directly @MerPolCC or 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”