Four arrested in rural crime crackdown

Four men have been arrested on suspicion of burglary, handling stolen goods, public order and insurance fraud as part of a police operation targeting organised rural criminals operating in Northumberland.
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On Tuesday, July 28 police officers carried out dawn raids in Blyth, Bedlington and Stobhill in Morpeth as part of a wide-ranging investigation into drug supply, burglary and theft in the area.

The raids were carried out at a number of addresses, with the aim of targeting suspects and disrupting criminal activity.

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Northumbria Police also seized suspected stolen items, including a cable locating system worth almost £2,000.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Ian Pattison of Northumbria Police coordinated the raids.Neighbourhood Sergeant Ian Pattison of Northumbria Police coordinated the raids.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Ian Pattison of Northumbria Police coordinated the raids.

Of the four men arrested, a 34 year-old, has been charged. Another man, aged 29, remains in police custody, while the other two, aged 26 and 27, have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Ian Pattison co-ordinated the raids and said disrupting organised crime is crucial in keeping communities safe. He warned that anyone making money from serious and organised crime would be brought to justice.

Sergeant Pattison said: “Organised crime can devastate communities and is often spearheaded by heartless individuals only out to make a profit.

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“Yesterday, as part of our ongoing proactive activity, we were able to arrest four suspects who have been assisting officers with their enquiries, while we also seized evidence that will prove invaluable moving forward.

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“This planned operation was a result of months of intelligence gathering as we work to build a clearer picture into organised criminality across Northumberland.

“The investigation will continue to identify and target anyone involved with further activity planned in the coming weeks.

“It’s important we continue our work so these groups are dismantled and can no longer operate and we will continue to do all we can to identify suspects and bring anyone found responsible to justice.

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“Community intelligence is vital to our policing approach and we urge anyone with any information that could help us disrupt and dismantle this type of criminality to get in touch with us.”

Anyone who has information about organised crime can contact police on 101, or via the Northumbria Police website. Alternatively you can report anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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