Operation AVRO provides high-impact policing in Bury

A high-visibility, proactive operation utilising GMP’s strength and resources has resulted in more eye-catching results to keep the community of Bury safe.

An early morning briefing in the town centre under the shadow of Sir Robert Peel – the founder of the Metropolitan Police Service, the world’s first police force, in 1829 after being born in Bury – was a poignant way to start the day of action.

Officers in Bury made a total of 52 arrests on Thursday 20 April 2023 for a range of offences, including drug supply and burglary, as part of Operation Avro, GMP’s monthly initiative that sees officers take the fight back to criminals.

A total of 22 warrants were carried out in the district, with more than 23,000 cigarettes seized, along with 19.25kg of tobacco and 784 illicit vapes.

The total street value of the seizures was around £30,000.

Several cannabis farms were also discovered and officers dealt with 127 traffic offences, including 73 speeding offences, committed across two high-profile locations. Eight vehicles were seized.

Other activity included weapons sweeps conducted around the Metrolink station and knife arches set up at the station and Heaton Park.

Mounted police patrols in the town centre provided visible reassurance to the community.

Alongside raids, officers also held events, with the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter landing at two primary schools to give the next generation an insight into policing and inspire them.

Chief Superintendent Chris Hill, of GMP’s Bury district, said: “I enjoyed getting out and about, meeting members of the community and working with our officers from across the force.

“We will continue to take the fight to the criminals, and we can only do that with the information from our communities and dedicated work from our colleagues.

“With your continued support and professionalism, we have stopped future crime in the community of Bury and once again showed that the good work we are doing is having a big impact on keeping people safe.”