56 arrests, 106 stop searches and 10 tenancy enforcements: Whitefield Neighbourhood Team achieving successful results
Operation Vardar, led by Inspector Gareth Edwards, has resulted in 56 arrests, 106 stop searches, and 10 tenancy enforcements since September 2024 in Whitefield. The initiative targets antisocial behavior, knife crime, and drug dealing, with significant drug seizures and community engagement efforts. Measures include fencing a problematic area, distributing crime prevention materials, and introducing a 'Police Box' for anonymous feedback. A community day is planned, and funding is sought for doorbell cameras to gather evidence against problem tenants. A Public Space Protection Order is also being considered for a high-crime ginnel.
Whitefield Crime Crackdown: 56 Arrests and Major Drug Seizures in Operation Vardar
Police have arrested 56 people and seized massive quantities of drugs and weapons in Whitefield since launching Operation Vardar in September 2024, following a surge of violent incidents in the area.
The neighbourhood policing team, led by Inspector Gareth Edwards, has conducted 106 stop searches and submitted 235 intelligence reports while targeting antisocial behaviour, knife crime and drug dealing. Officers have recovered eight off-road bikes, 13 offensive weapons, and drugs including 500g of heroin, 503g of crack cocaine, 172g of ketamine, 78.5g of MDMA, 539g of cannabis, and 700 cannabis plants, plus three stolen vehicles.
Community intelligence led officers to identify problematic land near Abingdon Avenue linked to youth violence and drug activity. Constable Keiran Stodart secured fencing to prevent improper use of the area. “We have been proactive in speaking to residents about issues that are concerning them and their community,” PC Stodart said.
The operation has delivered over 1,000 crime information letters and 300 leaflets about cuckooing across Whitefield, with officers conducting foot patrols as requested by residents. A new ‘Police Box’ initiative allows anonymous information submission at meetings, while a vetting policy now screens prospective tenants for identified problem areas.
Enforcement action included shutting down a Rufford Drive shop for selling unlicensed foreign alcohol, with community walkarounds starting Wednesday and continuing every four weeks. Police have applied for £1,000 funding to provide 30 doorbell cameras for Ripon Close residents, while seeking a Public Space Protection Order for the ginnel between Sawley Avenue and Malton Avenue, where 67 crimes were reported in 2024.
A community engagement day is scheduled for June 7 at St Bernadette’s School, with PCSOs holding regular pop-up surgeries at Morrisons, McDonald’s and Unsworth Pole.
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