Thirteen people arrested in police blitz on drug dealing, burglary and money laundering in Wirral

Jan 25 2012 by Lorna Hughes, Heswall News

THIRTEEN people were arrested in a blitz on drug dealers, burglars and money laundering in Wirral.

The early-morning raids on houses in Birkenhead, Prenton and Wallasey were part of a joint operation codenamed Defender involving Merseyside Police, British Transport Police, Trading Standards and the Illegal Money Lending Team.

Eleven men and two women were taken to police stations across Merseyside for questioning on suspicion of burglary, money laundering, drug offences, blackmail and theft.

Officers also seized a large quantity of cash, cannabis and stolen goods during the raids last Thursday.

Police said all those targeted were believed to be involved in violent crime, handling stolen goods, burglary and robbery.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave McCaughrean said: “The action is a result of residents coming forward and telling us about criminality taking place in their communities.

“We take all such reports extremely seriously and act on all information we receive to help make our streets safe.

“Our message to criminals and those thinking of getting involved in criminal behaviour is clear – we will do everything we possibly can to find you and put you before the courts.”

DCI McCaughrean said police would carry out further raids as the operation continued.

He added: “This is not a one-off day of action. We will continue to work hard with residents and our partners to disrupt the lives of criminals and take them off our streets to make sure Wirral is a safe and happy place for all.”

Anyone with any information about crime in Wirral is asked to call 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.