Police celebrate criminals’ 300 years behind bars

Consisting of a sergeant and five PCs, the uniformed Targeted Crime Team proactively investigates crime groups whose activities can involve drug dealing and child sexual exploitation.

They act as a visible presence to try and deter those involved in the supply of drugs, taking action if drug offences are suspected, such as conducting stop and searches, responding to intelligence, executing warrants at suspects’ addresses, using forensics to identify offenders and patrolling hotspot areas where there are high levels of crime and drug dealing.

The team’s success has now featured on billboard displays on the main road in Pendle to reassure and thank the public for giving information that has helped in securing in excess of 300 years of convictions.

The displays are also to warn criminals that the team have a good history of apprehending those responsible and putting them in court.

Detective Inspector Neil Marr, who heads up the team, said: “The sentences the Targeted Crime Team have been part of achieving show just how committed we are to taking drugs off our streets.

“However, we aren’t complacent, as we recognise the effect that the activities of drug dealers have on our communities, and so we must continue the fight against these offences that can ruin lives, fuel other crime, and instil fear in our neighbourhoods.

“I must say a huge thanks to the public who pass information on to the police, as without their help, we may never have been able to put these criminals behind bars.

“We listen to residents and need them to continue to work with us to help us tackle drug crime by informing us of any suspicious activity.”

Anyone with information about suspicious activity in their community should contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.