CUMBRIA Police have arrested more than 20 people on suspicion of offences including robbery, burglary, possession of an offensive weapon, blackmail and drug driving as part of a proactive crackdown on crime. 

Of the 24 arrests from July 10 - July 14 through Operation Merlin, some included individuals who were wanted for prison recall, those who had breached the conditions of their tag or curfew, and individuals who had failed to attend court hearings.

On Monday, officers focused their efforts in South Cumbria, executing a warrant in Barrow that resulted in the arrest of four individuals. 

Two men were arrested for breaching their court order whilst a third was arrested for failing to attend court. The fourth was a priority wanted man who had been sought on suspicion of robbery. 

The following day, officers conducted searches at two additional addresses in Barrow, leading to three arrests on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class B drug. 

Two more arrests were made at another address for individuals wanted on suspicion of blackmail. One man was also arrested for prison recall and another on suspicion of breaching a harassment order.

On Wednesday (July 12), officers shifted their focus to the Kendal and Eden areas, resulting in seven more arrests.

On Thursday (July 13), officers in Carlisle made arrests related to court violations, including one individual for failure to attend and another for recall to prison.

A third man was also arrested on suspicion of drug driving and released under investigation.

On Friday (July 14), three arrests were made for drugs supply, a fail to attend warrant and burglary offences in the Workington area.

The man arrested for burglary had been one of the force’s top wanted offenders.

He was subsequently released on police bail for the alleged burglary offences.

Superintendent Sarah Jones said: "Operation Merlin has become a regular part of our proactive policing operations and sees officers undertake co-ordinated activity to bring in those people who are wanted by the police or the courts, as well as those suspected of involvement in criminality.

"Last week’s activity resulted in 24 arrests being made. Many of those who found themselves arrested were only too aware of their status as wanted or sought individuals.

"Our advice to anyone else who knows they are sought by the police or the courts is to come forward before Operation Merlin comes for you," she said. 

Further Operation Merlin weeks of action are planned throughout 2023 and beyond.