Operation Arrow recognised at national Tilley Awards
Main article content
An operation tackling an organised crime group in Newport, Middlesbrough, was a finalist at the national problem-solving Tilley Awards.
The Tilley Awards were originally set up by the Home Office to recognise innovative crime fighting projects where police, community groups and the public work together to successfully identify and tackle local crime problems.
Operation Arrow took a problem-solving approach to drug dealing in and around the Newport area of Middlesbrough. The efforts resulted in 96 arrests, totalling over 200 years of imprisonment, with another 19 awaiting sentence. Many vulnerable children and adults have also been identified and diverted away from crime.
The team attended the award ceremony in Burton-on-Trent in early October, joining four other finalists from South Yorkshire Police, Greater Manchester Police and Leicestershire Police.
Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline McGlade said: “This problem-oriented policing approach to a complex county lines and exploitation investigation meant that young people were safeguarded and offenders sentenced to over 200 years imprisonment, whilst also helping to restore confidence and trust in policing within the affected communities. I would like to thank everyone involved in Operation Arrow.
“We recognise that there is still work to do with tackling drugs activity and associated crime in the Newport ward and this is ongoing. We are committed, through our Neighbourhood Team and Proactive Team, to tackling criminality and helping to create a safer area for residents, business owners and visitors to Newport.”
Anyone who wishes to report crime, drug-related activity and antisocial behaviour to police can contact Cleveland Police on 101, or report anonymously via Crimestoppers online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.
Pictured (L-R): Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline McGlade, Temporary Inspector Tom McLeod, Detective Chief Inspector David Glass, Sergeant John Sproson and Temporary Sergeant Adam Hudson.