136 arrested in Christmas crime crackdown

136 arrested in Christmas crime crackdown

Police arrested 136 people as part of Operation Bauble, a Christmas crime crackdown over the festive period.

The pre-emptive Christmas strike spanned 12 targeted days between 5 and 29 December 2014 and was launched to tackle criminality which historically increases in the period leading up to and over Christmas.

The high-profile days of action targeted a range of offences including domestic abuse, burglary and traffic offences.

More than 800 officers across 12 divisions carried out warrants supported by special constables and specialist units including mounted, traffic and tactical aid units.

Traffic officers also seized 35 vehicles for a variety offences including driving with no tax or insurance and nearly 30 breath tests were carried out at the roadside.

Superintendent Craig Thompson from the Specialist Operations Branch said: “Officers worked tirelessly over the festive period to keep criminals off our streets and were hot on the heels on those who intended to ruin Christmas for others.

“Operation Bauble sends a clear message to criminals that their actions will not be tolerated, regardless of the time of year.

“The good people of Greater Manchester can be assured that this is not a one off. We will not be sitting back and allowing a small minority to cause misery in our communities and have similar operations planned throughout the next 12 months.”