This week, as part of Op Vanquish, officers have been taking the fight to criminals wanted for acquisitive crime, namely burglary, vehicle crime and robbery.
Further arrests were made for a range of offences linked to the week of action, with specialist targeting teams, neighbourhood police and task forces involved.
Andrew Snowden, Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire said:
“Operation Vanquish forms an important part of the Chief Constable’s response to my Police and Crime Plan, taking the fight to criminals and ensuring there’s nowhere for them to hide.
“Robbery and theft is a blight on our communities and can have a huge impact on victims, with an emotional and mental toll on top of the financial damage it inevitably leaves. That’s why it is a key priority in my Police and Crime Plan and why I’m backing the Chief Constable with the resources he needs to catch those responsible.
“As I lead the fight against crime, it’s about delivering what we all want to see our police force doing– fighting crime and protecting people. I’m determined to stop people becoming victims and getting offenders, particularly repeat offenders who time and again cause misery for innocent members of the public, off the streets.”
Det Ch Insp Graham Hill, of Lancashire Police, said: “These arrests send a clear message – we will not tolerate criminal activity in our county and we will relentlessly pursue our most wanted offenders.
“This week’s activity is all about making our communities safer and protecting the most vulnerable.
“We will continue to target any outstanding individuals and those people should expect a quick, robust police response.
Arrest highlights this week include;
- On Monday (January 24) police were called to a report of a burglary in North Park Drive, Blackpool. While at the scene police received further reports of burglaries in Newton Drive, with a man arrested. Following further investigation the man was linked to three burglaries in Hull Road on January 20. Terry Ward, 32, of Dawlish Avenue, Blackpool, has been charged with five burglaries, an attempted burglary, going equipped, possession of a bladed article and two offences of fraud.
- Gary Brennan, 60, of Meeting House Lane, Lancaster, was arrested on Tuesday (January 25) after a report of a theft in Lancaster. He was charged and bailed to appear at Lancaster Magistrates’ Court on March 15.
- On Tuesday a car made off from police and crashed into a ditch in Plantation Road, Turton. A woman was arrested. Kayleigh Warren, 29, from Lichfield Avenue, Bolton, was charged with going equipped for burglary, theft or cheat and driving without insurance. She was bailed to appear at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court on February 24.
- Samantha Nerney, 41, of St Andrews Street, Burnley, was arrested on Tuesday by Pendle Police Task Force. She was charged with 13 shoplifting offences and appeared at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court yesterday (Wednesday, January 26).
- Gareth Hunt, 42, of no fixed address, was charged with four burglaries and three attempted burglaries across Lancaster and Preston. He is due to appear at Preston Magistrates’ Court on February 24.
- On Sunday (January 23) officers from South Rural Taskforce located and seized a JCB telehandler, stolen a day earlier. The telehandler was stolen from the Coppull area and taken to a remote location and hidden from view to prevent its recovery. The JCB was returned to its owner and enquiries are ongoing to identify the offenders.
More than 25 other people were arrested for a range of offences linked to Op Vanquish as part of this week’s activity.
Det Ch Insp Hill added: “It is important people in Lancashire can feel safe and confident in our policing.
“Operational activity will continue in the coming weeks and months. Operation Vanquish brings staff together across the county targeting those causing the most issues in our communities.”
You can help us fight crime by keeping your property safe. Small measures like keeping doors and windows secure, removing valuables from your car and good home security lighting can make a big difference. Visit our crime prevention pages for more at lancashire.police.uk
If you have any information about anyone you suspect is committing crime, please contact us. You can contact us on 101, report online or speak to the independent Charity Crimestoppers, free and in confidence, on 0800 555 111.
