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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Stephen Topping

GMP make THIRTY arrests as cash, drugs and cars seized in major 'blitz on crime'

Thirty arrests were made while cash, drugs and vehicles were all seized during a 'blitz on crime' in Tameside.

Greater Manchester Police 's monthly Operation Avro event took place across the borough on Thursday (February 17), with dozens of raids and goods worth thousands of pounds recovered.

Almost 200 officers from Greater Manchester, including specialist units, descended on the district - carrying out warrants, arrests and traffic enforcement.

READ MORE: 'You're famous' - Shirtless man's door smashed down as cops storm homes and make dozens of arrests

There were also weapon sweeps, high-visibility patrols and checks on businesses, while officers worked with Tameside Council to engage with the community and offer crime-prevention advice.

Police made 30 arrests in Tameside during Operation Avro (M.E.N Media)

Tameside is the fifth Greater Manchester district to hold Operation Avro, which targets crimes that locals have told GMP they have specific concerns about.

A number of warrants were executed including at Booth Close, Stalybridge, where three men were arrested on suspicion of drugs offences and cannabis plants were found across two properties.

Over on Market Street, Droylsden, a man was arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault and theft of a motor vehicle after a suspected stolen vehicle with keys was located and seized.

Police raid a property on Yew Tree Close, Ashton (M.E.N Media)

And at Yew Tree Close, in Ashton, stubborn police arrested a man on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs after spending 11 minutes finding a way through the resistant door of his apartment.

On Mottram Road, in Stalybridge, a traffic operation led to 82 speeding offences being recorded - along with 26 traffic offences reported, five vehicle being seized and two arrests.

Chf Supt Rob Cousen, from GMP's Tameside district's commander, said: "This action is more than a one-off - it's all part of the new era GMP is now in where we're arresting more criminals, seizing more assets and deploying more officers into our neighbourhoods.

A knife sweep in Oxford Park, Ashton (M.E.N Media)

"We're absolutely determined to make Tameside the safest place possible to live, work and visit and Operation Avro is just one of the steps we're taking to ensure this happens.

"This day of action has led to some impressive results thanks to the work of our officers and partners across the district and we will continue to crack down on those causing the most harm to our communities by bringing those responsible to justice.

"I'd like to reassure the communities in Tameside that we will listen to your concerns and act on them - anyone with any information or concerns can get in touch with local officers."

An arrest made on Booth Close, Stalybridge (ABNM Photography)

The force worked with other bodies during Operation Avro, including Tameside Council and HMRC, during the operation.

Six taxis failed vehicle safety checks, with each being ordered to have repairs before being able to carry passengers again, while scrap metal and waste carrier compliance checks were also carried out.

And at nine of the 10 off licence and convenience stories visited by Tameside Council's licensing team, suspected illegal tobacco was found and seized.

Coun Brenda Warrington, leader of Tameside Council, said: “The day of action supports our wider, ongoing multi-agency work - as part of Operation Safer Tameside - to take a robust, partnership approach to tackling issues of concern in our local community.

"We are determined to make our communities feel safe and protected and it’s great to once again see such positive results and feedback.”

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