Operation Avro: Police 'show strength' with dozens of arrests and warrants

As part of Greater Manchester Police's commitment to stamping out crime, the Force executed a day-long coordinated operation across Wigan and Leigh today (Thursday, July 28).

Under the codename 'Operation Avro', officers began the day by executing a series of simultaneous raids on properties they suspected to contain drugs, weapons, or stolen property.

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Police officers conducting a drugs raid on Linden Grove

Showing a visible "show of strength", officers also gave speeches to the public in Wigan and Tyldesley, while carrying out weapons searches, night-time operations, and closure orders on properties identified by residents.

Invited to a property suspected to contain drugs and drug paraphernalia on Linden Grove, the Journal witnessed the arrest of a man who was wanted on recall to prison after breaching the terms of his domestic violence release.

Drug paraphernalia in the Linden Grove property

Drug paraphernalia in the Linden Grove property

A closure order was also executed on Lord Street after complaints of drug dealing and anti-social behaviour were reported to the police.

Officers informed the tenant that only he was allowed access to the property, with those who breach the order likely to be arrested.

Across the borough, more than 30 arrests and 20 warrants were executed as police attempt to stamp out crime and bring criminals to justice.

Officers conducting a search of the property

Public speeches from the police:

Chief Superintendent Emily Higham

Speaking to the public about Operation Avro, Emily Higham, Chief Superintendent of Wigan and Leigh said:

"Operation Avro is all about letting the public know that we are here, with that visibility of police, to let them know what we are doing.

"Sometimes there are things that go on behind the scenes and we don't get out to people.

"But this is a real show of strength and an opportunity to arrest people that are causing problems in our communities.

"There are people now in custody who deserve to be in custody and this is is what we are here for; to serve and protect our community."

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes with Emily Higham, Leader of the Council David Molynuex and other partners

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes said: "Operation Avro is part of GMP getting better and serving our community in a stronger way.

"We police every single day but this is an extra show of force to show the public that we are here and working to give them a great service.

"We have had successful warrants and recovered drugs and evidence as part of the Operation, and there is an awful lot of work going on to improve GMP and bring it out of special measures.

"We are increasing the number of arrests, we have more cells opening across Greater Manchester and we are bringing more people to justice.

"What we're really focusing on is making sure we are serving the public and serving the people of Wigan and Leigh."

Police conducted a series of simultaneous raids on Thursday, July 28