14 Arrested as Targeted Operation Takes Place in Middlesbrough

Fourteen arrests were made as part of Operation Artemis which took place across Middlesbrough on Tuesday, 16^th June.

Operation Artemis is an opportunity for officers and staff from across the force to come together along with partner agencies to showcase some of the highly visible, targeted and proactive activity that is carried out around the force area every day.

As part of this activity, there were four drugs warrants carried out – three of which led to officers locating and seizing drugs. At an address in Middlesbrough town centre, there were viles of liquid recovered and 30 clonazepam tablets – all suspected to be potential date rape drugs. A 38-year-old man was arrested.

At Hollyhurst Avenue, a small amount of cannabis was recovered, and a 24-year-old man was arrested.

At Regent Road, one kilogram of cannabis was recovered from a dishwasher, along with CS spray, a BB gun and a cross bow and a 37-year-old man was arrested.

Eight vehicles were seized which were untaxed in partnership with Middlesbrough Council.

There were four off-road bikes seized under “Not on our Streets” patrols utilising the police drones across the town, and one suspect is now facing prosecution on suspicion of dangerous driving.

Licensing visits were carried out by Special Constabulary officers in Middlesbrough town centre.

A number of children were taken into police protection and were safeguarded.

Two stolen vehicles were recovered, having been reported stolen during burglaries.

Middlesbrough District Commander, Temporary Superintendent Daryll Tomlinson, said: “Yesterday’s Operation Artemis saw fourteen people arrested along with other proactive work with our partners, such as a house closure, eight vehicle seizures, four illegal bikes removed from the roads, and a number of children safeguarded.

“This important work goes on across the force every single day, but we don’t always get the chance to show the public what we’re doing behind the scenes. I hope that these results show our dedication and commitment to tackling criminals and protecting our communities. This work continues day in and day out across Middlesbrough.”

Anyone with concerns regarding criminality within their community, is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call 0800 555 111.