Crime crackdown helps lift the gloom

Given the gloom of yet another lockdown, it’s heartening to report some positive news on the crime front for our communities.

This time it’s courtesy of our law enforcers who have enjoyed a particularly productive year in the fight against organised crime.

The numbers generated by Operation Venetic make for good reading.

More than a million pounds in cash has been seized, along with 96 arrests and a haul of some 132kg of drugs confiscated by the North East Regional Special Operations Unit.

But the impact of this successful operation is not best measured by numbers, but by how it makes the public feel.

And, as Detective Chief Superintendent Alastair Simpson, head of NERSOU, assures us, we have a lot for which to be grateful.

He said: “This activity has undoubtedly made our communities safer and shown the public just how serious we are about fighting crime as offenders are not only brought before the courts, but also stripped of any finances and their organisations crushed.”

Just how menacing these crooks are can be evidenced by the weapons seized. The haul included two firearms – a Glock and a rifle – along with four stun devices, three CS sprays and an air weapon.

What is just as pleasing is the role the public has played in helping track down the offenders.

This was a joint effort between police forces, community groups and individual members of the public.

Teamwork makes the dream work. Long may it continue.