More than a dozen people were spoken to by police for parking in disabled or parent and child bays at Trinity Retail Park in Bolton as part of a day of action by police.

Operation Neighbourhood Crime AVRO got underway this week, the operation is in addition to everyday policing, when resources are pulled in a concerted blitz on crime and anti-social behaviour,  as well as a reassurance exercise to the public - whilst serving as a warning to criminals.

The operation ran across Greater Manchester.

(Image: GMP)

In Bolton 19 people spoken to regarding parking at the retail park while checks on vehicles resulted in three traffic offence reports issued.



 One suspect was stop searched in Bolton and arrested on suspicion of going equipped and theft. CCTV tracked back to a vehicle which had been searched and a large amount of suspected stolen goods were inside, say police and they seized the vehicle.

A number of warrants were executed in the town today after officers were briefed this morning.

The Bolton South Neighbourhood Team executed a S8 Police And Criminal Evidence Act warrant at an address on James Street in Little Lever.

Councillor for Little Lever and Darcy Lever, David Meehan, said: "GMP Strong neighbourhood policing is supported and welcomed by our residents in Little Lever and Darcy Lever."

(Image: GMP)
A GMP spokesperson added: " A male, aged 29, was arrested on suspicion of possession of class A and class B drugs after controlled substances were found at the address."

Officers also executed a warrant in Tonge Fold, a search of the premises was conducted and drugs were found and seized.

The police spokesman added: "A male, aged 34 remains under investigation for this offence."

Officers from the Neighbourhood Teams at Bolton were briefed ahead of Neighbourhood Crime AVRO. They were deployed across the district tackling neighbourhood crime and 'the issues that matter the most to you', said police.

Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, GMP lead for Neighbourhood Crime said the operation was " designed to give communities across Greater Manchester the confidence that GMP is committed to keeping people safe".

She added: "We thank our partners who continue to support us in that effort.

“Victims of these types of crimes know and have told us what lasting harm they can cause: preventing that for as many as possible is our ambition.

“Officers across Greater Manchester will continue to tackle all types of neighbourhood crimes, through days of action patrols, proactive work, and more. If you have any issues in your area, your neighbourhood team will be there to listen to you and take action."

The wider Operation Avro was carried out in Bolton in October, it targeted 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