Hundreds of police officers have taken to the streets of Liverpool as part of a crackdown on crime.
Early on Wednesday morning, a convoy of police vehicles could be seen leaving Merseyside Police headquarters for the operation targeting criminals in the Anfield area.
The day of action is the second which has taken place since Chief Constable Rob Carden took up his post, in September last year, with a promise to take those involved in criminality “off the streets”.
He said: “The scale and impact of today’s operation should leave criminals in absolutely no doubt – we are here, we are watching and, if you are involved in criminality, you can expect a knock on your door.”
By midday, 34 people had been arrested and officers had seized items including drugs, a Sur-Ron e-bike, a Rolex watch, three machetes and thousands of pounds in cash, a spokesman for Merseyside Police said.
The force said about 300 police officers carried out dozens of search warrants, roadside checks, land searches and other activity.
Mr Carden added: “Today’s activity shows our complete and utter contempt for those involved in criminality, whilst at the same time giving the community the compassion, understanding and support they deserve.
“Our message to criminals is clear – we don’t want them in our communities and we will be relentless in our pursuit of them.
“The protection of the public is a vital part of today and we will be supporting and safeguarding vulnerable victims, alongside our partners including Liverpool City Council and local charities and support services.”
The leader of Liverpool City Council, Liam Robinson, said: “The action being taken by Merseyside Police today is vital to protecting our neighbourhoods and preventing harm.
“I want to thank Merseyside Police and all our partners for their hard work and dedication in delivering this operation.
“To those involved in criminality, today’s activity demonstrates that there is no hiding place. The safety and wellbeing of our communities will always come first.”
In December, a similar operation was carried out in Stockbridge Village and Huyton and led to 49 arrests.
