Bolton's custody suite is said to be full of suspected offenders after a huge police operation this week.

Operation AVRO took place in Bolton - a monthly Greater Manchester Police initiative which targets a range of crimes such as drug-dealing, traffic offences and anti-social behaviour yesterday.

Officers made a total of 30 arrests as they investigated drug supply and criminal damage as as well as providing high-visibility patrols and engaging with the community.

Properties were raided in Farnworth, Horwich and Westhoughton.

More than  £250k in stolen goods were seized, including a unit filled with power washers, which were later confirmed as stolen goods.

The operation also saw officers crackdown on traffic offences, with 72 traffic  being committed.

In total, 10 vehicles were seized, and two traffic-related arrests were made.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Bolton custody is full following the arrests from AVRO.

“But there is still space across the force custody sites across Bolton to tackle community crime.”

(Image: Leah Collins)

Bolton Council enforcement officers worked with officers to carry out roadside checks on taxis and private hire vehicles and vehicles carrying waste.

A road traffic collision reconstruction took place in Bolton town centre in partnership with victim services and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, showing the public what happens during a crash and how emergency services respond to one.

Superintendent for Bolton, Ian Jones, said: "Operation AVRO is a large-scale operation where we bring police resources from the whole of Greater Manchester together to support our communities. 

(Image: Greater Manchester Police)

“In the recent months Bolton has been in the news for the wrong reasons regarding disorder, but in typical Bolton fashion the community have pulled together and we’re now in a good place.

“The town centre was really affected by the disorder, but the operation has helped to bring back reassurance that members of the public need.

"As well as the raids, we provided high-visibility proactive patrols around hotspot locations including Bolton town centre and Westhoughton, while the Tactical Mounted Unit went out on patrols around Victoria Square.

"I would like to thank Bolton residents that took the time to speak to our officers, provide positive feedback about our operation and engage with us. Your support is hugely appreciated." 

Operation AVRO is a force wide initiative that delivers extra resources and specialist officers to a different district within Greater Manchester each month and launched in Salford in October 2021.

(Image: Greater Manchester Police)

Since then, it has travelled around the force with the operation targeting crimes and concerns that members of the public in that district have told GMP give them the most concern.

Cllr Sue Haworth, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services added: “Operation AVRO is a great example of the council and GMP working together and has resulted in another successful day of action.   

(Image: Greater Manchester Police)

“Trading Standards led several raids on premises in Rumworth, Breightmet, Tonge Moor and Farnworth, seizing large quantities of illicit tobacco and illegal vapes,

“These raids were based on information shared by the public, and we thank those who keep us informed and to help us get these illegal goods off our streets.

“Operations like AVRO reinforce our zero-tolerance approach to the sale of harmful and illegal goods.”

People can report crimes on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.