Flying start to Op Remedy
The operation to tackle knife crime, burglary and drug crime in Avon and Somerset has got off to a flying start since it launched in April.
Operation Remedy is specifically focusing on tackling important issues and was made possible thanks to an increase in the policing part of the council tax by £2 a month for the average band D household.
The additional funding is also going towards recruiting 100 new officers – the first recruitment over the police’s established levels since 2004.
“We will continue to show local people the difference in the police’s fight against crime and our officers are working hard to intensify their fight against serious violence on our streets, in our town and in our cities. There’s still lots of work to be done but we are already sending a loud and clear message to criminals that coming into Avon and Somerset to commit their crimes is not an option.”
PCC Sue Mountstevens
Since Operation Remedy’s launch earlier this spring, the team have already achieved some great results from April to 9 May, including:
- The officers have executed 16 warrants
- The officers have arrested 56 people and 71% have been charged to date including offenders wanted for dwelling burglary offences, possession of knives and drugs. As part of Operation Remedy, a wanted and outstanding dwelling burglary offender was successfully located and stolen items recovered included a bike valued at approximately £3,300
- Nearly 1000 extra hours of visibility patrols have taken place. High visibility patrols in areas of North Somerset has led to evidence of drug dealing taking place.
- Officers have recovered nearly 700 cannabis bushes. During a recent drugs warrant executed in Bristol, officers found 100 cannabis plants as part of a sophisticated cultivation operation. The plants were seized to the value of approximately £100,000 and two people were successfully arrested
- Officers have also recovered 1kg of extremely pure cocaine
“It’s the first time in seven years that I have been a Chief Constable where extra resources have been available to tackle the issues that matter most to the community.
“The officers have recovered many, many knives and have been actively visible in some of our most difficult hotspot areas. Operation Remedy has made a flying start.”
Chief Constable Andy arsh