More than 300 officers executed 28 warrants across Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, St Helens and Knowsley in the largest Operation Vanguard to date. The raids targeted serious organised crime, including drug dealing, child sexual exploitation, violent offences and domestic abuse. Tactics included land and underwater searches, mounted and dog units, roadside stops and operations against illegal e-bikes and e-scooters. Officers also focused on safeguarding vulnerable people and asked the public to provide information to support ongoing enquiries.
More Than 300 Officers Execute 28 Warrants in Merseyside's Largest Operation Vanguard
In total 28 early morning warrants were executed across Merseyside [Merseyside Police]
More than 300 police officers carried out early-morning raids across Merseyside as part of Operation Vanguard, targeting suspects linked to serious organised crime including drug dealing, child sexual exploitation, violent offences and domestic abuse.
Police officers will continue their activity throughout the day [Merseyside Police]
Merseyside Police described the action as the third and largest Operation Vanguard to date. Officers executed 28 warrants across Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, St Helens and Knowsley, deploying a range of tactics intended to disrupt organised networks and safeguard vulnerable people.
Merseyside Police says it is the third and biggest raid in the force's Operation Vanguard [Merseyside Police]
Searches and tactics deployed
- Land and underwater searches in locations where officers suspect evidence or items may have been discarded.
- Mounted units and dog teams conducting targeted patrols and searches.
- Roadside operations to stop vehicles believed to be used in criminality.
- Operations aimed at tackling illegal use of electric bikes, e-scooters and off-road motorcycles.
- Immediate safeguarding of vulnerable people identified as being exploited, with signposting to support and partner agencies.
“It is an operation involving a significant number of officers deploying a vast range of tactics and should leave criminals in absolutely no doubt that this force has complete contempt for criminality,” Chief Constable Rob Carden said. “If you are involved in crime, you are not welcome here and the scale of today's activity demonstrates very clearly the strength of our resolve to rid all of our communities of the harm offenders bring.”
“Our officers are also identifying vulnerable people who have been exploited by criminals and offering them support and signposting to other agencies who can help them,” Carden added.
Police said the activity would continue throughout the day as officers followed up on evidence and leads uncovered during the raids. The force urged anyone with information to contact Merseyside Police to help prevent further offending and protect communities.
Help us improve.
