Police raids in Preston as crime crackdown continues

Police in Preston have this morning (Wednesday, December 8th) executed a number of warrants as part of a continued crime crackdown across the county.

Officers raided addresses in Downing Street, Callon Street, Nevett Street, New Hall Lane and Acreage Close, in a series of co-ordinated drug raids as part of Operation Vanquish, aimed at tackling the crime issues that matter most to our communities, as part of a drive to make the county safe.

The warrants follow previous raids in Blackpool, Lancaster and Morecambe on Monday (December 6th), targeting those suspected of being involved in the supply of illegal drugs.

Following the discovery of what is suspected to be cocaine and a firearm at an address in Longridge, a 31-year-old man from Preston was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of a firearm offence. He remains in police custody at this time.

A boy, 17, was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class B drugs after a large amount of what is believed to be cannabis was found within an address on Downing Street. He also remains in police custody.

Other items seized during searches includes a large amount of cannabis, over £1,100 in cash, knives and a hammer.

Det Ch Insp Zoe Russo from Preston Police said: “Today is the just the start of action we have planned in Preston, South Ribble, Chorley and West Lancashire, as part of Operation Vanquish, which is our policing operation to crackdown on crime and anti-social behaviour to keep you and your local area safe.

“We are taking the fight to criminals and as a result, people will see an increase in police activity, which will include many more arrests. We know that normal, decent people are being affected by the actions of those involved in drugs, burglary and antisocial behaviour, and we are determined to tackle them.

“We need residents to continue to work with us to let us know who these people are and what they are involved in. Also, if you suspect that drugs are being circulated in your area, please continue to help us to help you by sharing what you know.”

More work is planned in the coming weeks including dozens more warrants, along with community engagement activity, traffic enforcement and crime prevention work, all designed to disrupt and deter criminal activity and keep the county’s people and communities safe.

DCI Russo continued: “My message to criminals is clear; you are not welcome on our streets and we will find you, sooner rather than later. We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to keep our communities safe.”

Andrew Snowden, Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner said: "Operation Vanquish has been launched as part of the Chief Constable's response to my priority of seeing more actions that robustly take the fight to criminals. Conducting big show of strength operations against county lines gangs and others is part of my priority to relentlessly disrupt and dismantle organised crime.

"We are sending the clear message to criminals and those exploiting vulnerable people that we know who they are, we'll put them behind bars, seize their assets and use the money from them to make our streets safer.

"During raids as part of this ongoing operation, officers utilised forced entry equipment that I have funded to increase the Force's capabilities – so it was great to join Officers as part of Vanquish and see it in use first hand as they put through multiple doors. I am fully committed to ensuring Lancashire Constabulary has the resources it needs as I lead the fight against crime and to deliver on what the public want to see the police doing – fighting crime and protecting people. "

Anyone with any information which may assist officers in their pledge to combat crime can speak to a local officer, report information online at doitonline.lancashire.police.uk or call 101.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can also reached free and in confidence on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.