A busy day of action in Salford as Operation AVRO concluded with over 40 arrests, and drugs, cash and firearms seized

Neighbourhood officers, specialist units and partner agencies came together for a day of action across Salford as part of Operation AVRO, tackling the issues that matter most to local communities.

The day began with an early morning briefing at 6am outside Swinton Civic Centre, led by district commander Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood. Officers were encouraged to take pride in the work they carry out every day to keep Salford safe, with a strong emphasis placed on building and maintaining relationships with the community.

Acting on concerns raised by residents across our neighbourhoods – particularly around drug supply – officers executed 14 warrants across Salford.

Drug supply and dangerous weapons in Salford
You told us about these problems, and we are working hard to combat them.
Following from reports made by local communities, our officers have been out tackling other issues such as weapons and ASB in the local area. As a result of proactive searches and warrants, 43 arrests were made yesterday, over £44,000 in cash was seized and large quantities of Class A and B drugs were also recovered.

Whilst conducting warrants, officers uncovered a cannabis farm within an address on Manchester Road East in Little Hulton. A man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs.

Another warrant concluded with 31 illegal tasers being located. The tasers have been seized whilst enquiries continue. A man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in distribution of firearms.

Road Traffic Policing Unit vs motorbike theft
You told us that motorbike theft was a problem in Salford – in response the Road Policing Unit worked alongside neighbourhood officers to target motorbike and off-road bike crime, focusing on vehicles being used suspiciously and checking for stolen bikes and uninsured riders.

The dedicated traffic operation saw 64 vehicles stopped in just over three hours:

• Three vehicles seized
• Eight mobile phone offences
• Three people found driving without a seatbelt
• Three drivers found with no insurance
• Eight illegal window tints
• Two non‑conforming registration plates

Underwater search exercise:
Elsewhere, partners came together to support a wide range of activity including a tri-service underwater rescue operation at Salford Quays.

Our Police North West Underwater Search and Marine Unit joined forces with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) to demonstrate the use of new equipment. They were also joined by GMP’s Salford Mini Police and PSCOs, who got a chance to see how the equipment works, watch the divers, and learn about water safety and the dangers of open water with colleagues from GMFRS.

The operation showed how the equipment can assist the safety of divers, giving officers on land visibility under the water using sonar technology to identify missing persons, weapons, or evidence that may form part of investigations.

Throughout the day, engagement events continued across local retails areas, Salford University, and the Salford Loopline to tackle local neighbourhood crime and provide a reassuring presence to our communities.

Detective Chief Inspector Martyn Johnson from our Salford district said: “Yesterday was an incredibly effective joint effort between teams across the district and with partners, and it highlighted to our communities the work we are doing and will continue to do to keep them safe.

“This month’s Op AVRO saw over 40 arrests in total, and several drugs and firearms seized just in the first half of the day.

“Your concerns are our priority, and whilst this was one targeted day of action, our officers work year-round to tackle criminality.”

Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood, district commander for Salford said: “I’d like to thank all the officers and staff who supported with yesterday’s Operation AVRO.

“Despite challenging weather conditions, and long days, your commitment and continued efforts have protected our neighbourhoods and taken a significant number of dangerous possessions of the streets.

“We will continue to listen to the public and act on your concerns. Your reports are instrumental to our mission to create a safe community for residents and visitors of GM, and we encourage anyone to report these concerns to us – we will always listen and do all we can to solve these issues.”

Operation AVRO continues to focus on disrupting criminality, addressing community concerns and strengthening the connection between police and the public.

Anyone with information about crime in their area is encouraged to speak to officers or report information via 101 or through the LiveChat function on our website.