Hundreds of arrests as cops crackdown on bail jumpers

2:28pm Friday 16th May 2008

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MORE than 300 people from across Merseyside have been arrested during a 24-hour police crackdown.

Wirral people were among the 303 who were arrested for various offences including robbery, assault, burglary, prostitution and the supply of controlled drugs, as well as being in breech of bail conditions or failing to attend court.

The operation began early on Thursday morning and ran until 8am on Friday, and involved more than 200 officers. Police say it set out "to bring to justice" to those with outstanding court and bail warrants as well as named offenders. A wide range of tactics were used with many of those arrested receiving a surprise visit to their home, from where officers returned them to court.

On the roads, police used Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology to detect banned drivers. Police also recovered a kilo of what is believed to be the drug amphetamine, and seized ten vehicles Assistant Chief Constable Simon Byrne said: "We are determined to maintain our Total War' on criminals of all levels and we have worked with our partners to ensure that we put as many offenders as possible back before the courts.

"People who fail to appear, either at court or at the end of a bail period disrupt the criminal justice system, costing the tax payer money and causing a great deal of distress to victims, witnesses and their families.

"This is the highest number of people arrested by the force in one day and is testimony to the planning and work that has gone in to this operation.

"I hope these arrests send out a clear message - if you are wanted, Merseyside Police will not stop until you are found."

If you have information about crime in your area, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.