200 held and guns seized in crackdown on gangs
SAWN-OFF shotguns, semi-automatic handguns, grenades and a submachine gun are among 13 weapons police have recovered in a massive crime crack-down.
Homes across Salford have been raided and more than 200 people were arrested for crimes ranging from sex offences to illegal gambling, neglect, and harassment – all of which could lead to charges.
Class A and B drugs with a street value of £3m and cannabis plants worth up to £900,000 have been seized in the last year and £236,000 from criminals. In the last 12 months, there have been 22 shootings in the city, with even women and middle aged people being targeted purely because of their family link to gang members.
Long-running feuds between Salford crime gangs have erupted in a series of what police call ‘tit-for-tat’ shootings and violent attacks.
It is believed the remnants of an organised crime gang, The A Team, are continuing to feud with a rival group known as The Antis.
Det Supt Chris Packer said: “There has been a spate of incidents starting in the summer. What we saw was incidents where family members’ home addresses were getting targeted. We have had incidents of firearms being discharged, potential arsons, all that kind of serious crime, and there has been a real need for a dedicated response to that.
“Operation Naseby was put in place – to look at each one of those events, but also disruption – how do we prevent these kind of events.
“We issued 120 warrants in connection with organised crime in the last year. In total we have arrested 205 people linked to organised crime.
“There are long-standing disputes between individuals that are playing out on the streets of Salford and it is about making sure we safeguard people and prosecute people.
“Naseby is more than just Salford district – our Salford criminals are taking their activities outside of Salford, so we see them in Wigan, Bolton, and the city of Manchester, and you know about the international elements,” he said.
Coun David Lancaster said: “Currently we have a small minority of criminals who think it’s acceptable to try and settle their petty feuds on the streets of our city.
“Many have already been brought to justice. That will happen more quickly if those who shield them in a wall of silence recognise that enough is enough. They need to share what they know so the police can act and get these thugs behind bars.”