Police have arrested 10 people following early morning raids on houses in Lancaster and Morecambe as part of an operation targeting organised crime in the city.
Officers swooped on addresses in Austwick Road and Tarnbrook Road on Lancaster’s Ryelands estate and South Grove and Roeburn Drive in Morecambe at 7.00am this morning.
Over 75 officers were involved in the early morning operation, including support units, dog handlers and the local neighbourhood policing teams.
The raids came as part of a lengthy and ongoing investigation into organised crime and money laundering in the city and surrounding areas.
“Residents have been telling us that their lives have been blighted by the criminal activities of small but organised groups,” commented Superintendent Richard Spedding of Lancaster police. “They have felt threatened and intimidated.
“These raids show that Lancashire Police will not tolerate criminal behaviour in our communities.
“We have listened to residents and acted on their concerns,” he added. “We want to continue working closely with our communities to tackle the issues that affect their lives the most and, together, find a long-term solution to these problems.
“I want residents to feel that they can come to us with information and that we will take positive and robust action against criminals who are making their lives a misery.”
• Anyone with concerns about criminal activity in their neighbourhood should contact police on 01524 63333 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
I am happy that justice has been brought to this pond life.