Ten people have been arrested after a haul of drugs, weapons and two stolen jet skis were seized from properties across the North East.
Northumbria Police officers also recovered stolen cars, motorcycles and two jet skis – as well as seize drugs, weapons and cash believed to be associated with criminality.
Officers arrested 10 suspects, while 11 others were summonsed to appear in court for a range of offences.
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It was part of Operation Redwood which was launched this week with dedicated teams of officers tasked with getting ahead of anticipated rises in specific types of crime across Northumbria.
The activity is led by the Operations Department, which comprises of the Force’s Motor Patrols and Operation Dragoon teams, Firearms Support Unit (FSU), Dog and Mounted Sections as well as dedicated Metro, Airport and Marine officers.
At key identified times, they will team-up with officers from across the force area, as well as Special Constabulary volunteers, to take coordinated action to tackle those issues that are most affecting our local communities.
Chief Inspector Ian Cutty, of Northumbria Police, said: “Operation Redwood is all about hitting criminals hard, preventing and disrupting their activity so that we can ultimately continue to protect our communities.
“It will see dedicated resources working together to tackle the issues most important to our communities in their area – whether that’s anti-social behaviour and associated disorder, serious violence, vehicle crime or drug supply.
“We will be identifying anticipated rises in key crime types and emerging issues and getting ahead of these by taking decisive and coordinated action to prevent incidents from taking place and bringing those who do commit offences to justice.
“This will be a rolling operation and I’m absolutely delighted with the early impact. I’d like to thank everyone involved this week for their tenacity and determination – and the results speak for themselves.
“We’ve already made a number of arrests, located a haul of suspected stolen property – including vehicles – as well as recovered weapons and quantities of illicit drugs.
“As part of Operation Redwood, we are committed to continuing to make a real, tangible difference.”
Among the successes this week included:
- A warrant executed at an address in Gateshead saw officers seize two motorcycles and two jet skis believed to have been stolen, along with quantities of Class A drugs. A 41-year-old man was arrested and is currently on police bail.
- A suspected stolen vehicle linked to an affray in Wallsend was successfully recovered, with enquiries ongoing.
- Officers investigating a violent incident in Lemington arrested a 17-year-old male, who has since been charged with possessing an offensive weapon and a public order offence. He will appear before magistrates next month.
- An elusive fugitive from South Shields who was wanted for breaching the terms of his licence was located hiding under a bed at an address in the town. He remains in custody and will be returned to prison.
- A 25-year-old suspect from Newcastle was detained and later charged with wounding with intent to commit grievous bodily harm following an assault in Elswick.
- Three vehicles were uplifted in Cramlington and Ashington following reports of disqualified driving and no insurance use. The suspected drivers have each been reported.
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