Week of action to tackle serious and organised crime continues at pace

Engaging with the public is just one strand of the work that’s taking place as part of our serious and organised crime week of action.

Officers have also been out and about tackling those people who commit crime.

Chief Inspector Pete Basham, who is leading on the week’s activity, said: “Tackling those involved in serious and organised crime is a Matter of Priority for Northamptonshire Police and we are using every avenue open to us to stifle the activities of those who are determined to exploit the vulnerable to make money.

“This week we’ve spent a lot of time speaking to people, educating them about serious and organised crime and what they can do to help us, but we’ve also been involved in proactive police work.

“Information provided by the public is used to help us gather intelligence and take action against those involved in crime.

“We’ve arrested people who we believe are involved in serious and organise crime and seized Class A drugs and the vehicles they use.

“This activity will continue, not just for this week but every week as we tackle gangs, drug dealers and those who are involved in modern slavery.”

Action already taken this week includes:

• An investigation has been launched into the keyless thefts of Range Rovers. Officers have been working with colleagues in other force areas as part of the investigation and two men have been arrested and charged for conspiracy to commit theft of motor vehicle offences. They were remanded by the court this morning.

• Another man was arrested at a property in Thrapston last night (July 20), after a warrant was executed in Halford Street. The 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply, after a search of the property located what is believed to be Class A drugs inside. Officers worked closely with colleagues from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU).

• The Force’s Road Crime Team supported Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs on Tuesday, July 19, to locate a vehicle that was carrying a large quantity of cigarettes. The driver was arrested on suspicion of counterfeiting offences and the vehicle seized.

You can report any concerns you have about crime by:

• Calling 999 if someone is in danger or a crime is taking place
• Calling 101 for non-emergencies
• Visiting our website northants.police.uk
• Speaking to a police officer or PCSO

Or you can share information anonymously with independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or online Crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information.

If you want to find out more about what your local police officers are up to, please sign up for Neighbourhood Alert via northamptonshireneighbourhoodalert.co.uk