Police made 41 arrests and uncovered three cannabis farms during a major day of action across Rochdale.
Officers carried out a coordinated series of operations across the borough yesterday (Thursday), bringing specialist resources into Rochdale for the force’s monthly Operation AVRO deployment.
The day began with simultaneous early morning warrants at 19 addresses. During the searches officers discovered three cannabis farms with an estimated value of around £650,000.
Police also seized more than £100,000 in cash along with assets worth around £283,000. Officers recovered around £15,000 worth of suspected stolen designer goods and more than £10,000 worth of illegal items, including steroids, Viagra and weight loss injections.
Several arrests were linked to suspected drug offences along with firearms, assault and theft investigations.
Road safety enforcement formed another part of the operation. Officers carried out vehicle checks at several locations, including the Masonic Hall in Middleton, Thornham and Rochdale Fire Station.
In total, 201 vehicles were stopped across the borough. Officers issued 57 traffic offence reports, recorded 55 speeding offences and arrested two drivers on suspicion of drug driving.
Commercial vehicles were also inspected to ensure loads were secure and within legal weight limits, with police warning that overloaded vehicles can significantly affect braking and handling.
Trading standards teams worked alongside officers to carry out test purchase visits at businesses across the district. The checks assessed whether retailers were complying with laws covering the sale of alcohol, knives and vapes to under 18s.
Police also deployed four new electric bikes in Rochdale town centre, allowing officers and PCSOs to patrol busy areas and carry out stop and search activity while providing crime prevention advice to residents.
A live facial recognition van was also used in the town centre to help identify individuals wanted by police.
Teams carried out safeguarding visits to residents believed to be at risk of exploitation and cuckooing. Officers continued patrols into the evening across bars, venues and transport hubs.
Chief Superintendent Daniel Inglis from the Rochdale district said:
“Yesterday saw Operation AVRO is about showing our communities that when they tell us what matters, we listen and we act.
“The results in Rochdale reflect a determined, joined‑up effort to target the individuals and organised groups causing the greatest harm.
“From early‑morning warrants to safeguarding visits and checks on our roads, every strand of this operation is focused on keeping people safe.
“I want to thank the officers, staff and partners who worked tirelessly throughout the day and the public whose information continues to play a vital role in helping us take action.”
Greater Manchester Police said the activity formed part of wider neighbourhood policing work, which has contributed to reductions in several crime categories in Rochdale over the past year.
Neighbourhood crime has fallen by 26 per cent, burglary by 33 per cent, theft from a person by 34 per cent and vehicle offences by 20 per cent. Arrests increased by 13 per cent over the same period.
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