Eleven held in raids by police (From Dorset Echo)

Eleven held in raids by police

12:07pm Thursday 5th October 2006 in

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POLICE raided homes and made 11 arrests during a 'day of action' in Wey-mouth and Portland.

More than a dozen officers including uniform, plain clothes and detectives were involved in the operation targeting outstanding crimes and people who have skipped bail.

The head of West Weymouth Police Inspector Alan Jenkins said there would be more raids and he warned criminals to watch out.

Nine men and two women were arrested yesterday for offences like burglary, assault and shop-lifting, as well as bail offences.

Insp Jenkins explained that because of an increase in crime during the summer and the demand it places on officers, it becomes difficult to process arrests.

This time of year provides an excellent opportunity for the police to track down offenders who have been difficult to trace.

Gathering intelligence from a range of sources including members of the public who have responded to police appeals for information enables officers to confirm identities and addresses and carry out the raids.

In this way the police are being proactive rather than being reactive to crime.

Insp Jenkins said: "This was the first of several action days.

"We have run these operations before and they have proved very successful.

"The operation is intensive in terms of police resources and costs but is justifiable with regard to meeting the needs of victims of crime and the rightful expectations of the Weymouth public for firm but fair justice."

He added: "I want the criminals to be on the back foot and looking over their shoulder.

"Offenders must realise that we will pursue investigations in depth where we can and that criminals who flagrantly ignore bail orders of the court will have an officer knocking on their front door at any time of the day or night."