Arrests made, vehicles seized and community engagement in first Operation Artemis of 2024 .

Six people were arrested yesterday (Monday 22^nd January) during the first Operation Artemis of 2024.

Cleveland Police was supported by partner agencies in a proactive and coordinated day of tackling crime, ASB and nuisance or criminal use of vehicles across Redcar & Cleveland.

The phased and highly visible activity included officers targeting suspected criminals, conducting vehicle checks and carrying out multiple community engagement events.

After an early morning briefing police executed simultaneous warrants around the district.

In Limes Crescent, Marske a 45-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

Over in Guisborough a 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and for being in possession of criminal property and in South Terrace, South Bank a 43-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A, B and C drugs.

A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary, and a 45-year-old man who was wanted on warrant was also brought into custody.

Three teenage boys (16, 17 and 18) have now been charged with taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent and the two older ones were also charged with possession of a Class B drug.

The force’s new Matrix team worked with the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, Harbour Police and the Environment Agency to carry out multi-agency vehicle checks at PD Ports.

HGVs, waste carriers, scrap wagons and even taxis were examined for vehicle defects or abnormal loads.

And two vehicles (one reportedly failed to stop for police) were seized for having no insurance.

During the afternoon, officers from neighbourhood police teams, crime prevention and the Victim Care and Advice Service carried out engagement work in a primary school, a food bank, a community hub and a supermarket.

Redcar & Cleveland’s District Commander Superintendent Emily Harrison said: “We had some fantastic results yesterday and I’d like to thank our officers and partner agencies for all their hard work.

“This coordinated activity is what our officers do day in and day out all year round, but Operation Artemis shines a spotlight on the number and variety of resources we have at our disposal to tackle those we suspect of causing harm in our communities. “It demonstrates that we are listening to the public’s concerns and taking robust action.

“To members of the public I’d say once again please continue to report any issues online via the Cleveland Police website, or by calling 101.

“If you don’t want to speak to police, you can pass information anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phoning 0800 555 111.”