Coventry Police launch Christmas crackdown with dawn raids

[dutchman]

Criminals face a miserable Christmas after a series of dawn raids in Coventry.



On Tuesday, officers targeted wanted criminals responsible for crimes that ruin the festive season – with burglars, car thieves and violent criminals all ending up in cells.

It’s the first city-wide initiative of the season and saw homes raided in Stoke Aldermoor, Hillfields and Longford. More swoops are planned until January 16.

And with Christmas just a few days away police are urging wanted criminals to turn themselves in as soon as possible.

Sgt Steve Malone, who led the Christmas crackdown, told the Telegraph that the nearer to Christmas it gets the more likely offenders could be stuck behind bars during the holidays.

“If you’re wanted and you know you’re wanted then you should come in on your own terms,” he said.

“If you get arrested at 5am on Christmas Eve then there’s a good chance you won’t be released until December 28.

“The courts are closed over Christmas - that’s the way it is.”

A team of 16 officers took part in the intelligence-led raids - executing around 40 warrants yesterday alone.

By January they will have brought in well over 100 offenders.

Sgt Malone added: “It’s massively important to reassure the community that the Christmas period is not a holiday for us.

“We will continue to make arrests. And this operation sends out a firm message that wanted offenders should turn themselves in.”