A NUMBER of properties in Herefordshire were raided last week as part of a force-wide operation to bring persistent criminals to justice.

Codenamed Operation Justice, officers targeted people who were wanted for a range of offences. In Herefordshire, 19 arrests took place, with 18 offences resulting in charges. A further five offences resulted in no further action being taken, while 13 people were released on bail and three warrants issued. 

Across the whole of the West Mercia region, which includes Worcestershire and Shropshire, more than 100 people. Offences people were wanted for included theft, drugs, domestic violence, recalls to prison, stalking, underage sex, criminal damage, harassment and revenge porn.

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Chief Superintendent Paul Moxley, who oversaw the operation, hailed it as a success that made local communities safer places to live.

He said: “This was a concerted force-wide operation across our five Local Policing Areas which resulted in 103 arrests for 183 offences, with 38 people charged so far with a multitude of offences.

“A number of individuals are still being investigated on suspicion of outstanding offences. The aim was to track down those suspects who thought that they may have evaded prosecution, those who have gone to ground and those who continue to blight local communities with their unacceptable anti-social behaviour."

Anyone who feels at risk or sees a crime in progress should contact 999. Alternatively use the online ‘Tell Us About’ form on West Mercia Police's website.

Crimes can also be reported anonymously to the independent charity, Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website.

Meanwhile, residents can also sign up for Neighbourhood Matters to get updated with local policing area news.