Phase one of Cleveland Police's Operation Phoenix - the summer-long campaign to improve public service, prioritise vulnerability, tackle serious violence and prevent crime - has come to a conclusion.

The Force has promised communities they’ll continue to see heightened and targeted activity over the next few weeks.

In the first six weeks, the Force have:

  • Searched many addresses across the force on suspicion of drugs activity taking place
  • Dismantled cannabis farms and recovered Class A, B and C drugs
  • Removed several uninsured, suspected stolen or dangerous cars and motorbikes from roads
  • Arrested numerous people wanted in connection with serious offences, on warrant or for prison recall
  • Worked with primary schools and Cleveland Fire Brigade to engage with children and divert them from antisocial behaviour
  • Conducted night time patrols in town centres and licensed premises
  • Co-ordinated multi-agency rural crime and engagement operations

As well as supportive behind the scenes work by specialist intelligence officers, other more publicly visible dedicated teams are also playing a vital role in Phoenix.

These include:

  • Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit (this includes roads policing, Dog Support and armed police officers)
  • Operational Support Unit supporting all the teams involved
  • Crime Prevention Officers who are providing regular information on keeping yourself and your property safe

Local Policing Superintendent Marc Anderson said: “We’ve seen a lot of success during the first six weeks of Operation Phoenix, with officers working tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable in our communities, tackle serious and violent crime and to target those who cause the most harm in our neighbourhoods, returning them to prison if need be.

“The community too has really got on board and we’ve had a lot of positive feedback about our work – our residents deserve effective efficient policing and we want to keep working with them to keep everyone safe.”