13/05/2015

Dawn Raids Carried Out Across West Midlands

Some 100 police officers carried out dawn raids across the West Midlands as part of a blitz on suspected criminals.

Codenamed Spring Safer Six, raids were carried out in Tipton, Rowley Regis, Oldbury, West Bromwich and Bradley in a crackdown on criminal networks selling drugs and committing crimes to fuel their drug addiction.

Lead officer Chief Inspector Jane Parry, said: "Unlike previous raids which have targeted suspected drug dealers, this morning’s warrants have focused on taking the market out of stolen goods in the borough.

"What we see in many places is that drug users steal and then sell their bounty to fund their drug addiction. 

"This ranges from food items and toiletries shoplifted from stores, putting local businesses under pressure, to phones and bikes taken from children or even laptops stolen from homes and cars.

"What we're saying through Spring Safer Six is enough is enough. If you’re involved in crime at any level across the borough then you can expect a knock on your door."

(MH/CD)

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