More than 300 police officers have launched a large-scale operation across Merseyside as part of an intensified crackdown on organised crime, carrying out coordinated raids targeting suspected criminals involved in drug trafficking, child sexual exploitation, domestic abuse, violence and other serious offences.

The operation, known as Operation Vanguard, was conducted by Merseyside Police with support from specialist policing units, including mounted officers, dog handlers and underwater search teams. The force described the operation as the largest since the initiative was introduced.

Authorities confirmed that officers executed 28 search warrants across Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton, St Helens and Knowsley, with additional enforcement activities continuing throughout the day.

Operation Extends Beyond Early Morning Raids

Police said the crackdown was not limited to the execution of search warrants, noting that several tactical operations were carried out simultaneously across the county to disrupt criminal activities and gather intelligence.

As part of the operation, specialist teams conducted underwater searches in locations where suspects were believed to have disposed of weapons, drugs or other evidence linked to criminal offences.

Roadside operations were also launched to stop and search vehicles suspected of being used by organised crime groups, while officers patrolled communities to identify vulnerable people being exploited by criminal networks.

Mounted police units and dog squads were deployed to provide additional operational support, while officers involved in Operation Gears targeted the illegal use of electric bikes, e-scooters and off-road motorcycles, which police say are increasingly being used to facilitate criminal activities.

Operation Vanguard Largest Since Launch

According to Merseyside Police, the latest operation marks the third phase of Operation Vanguard but is the most extensive so far, with policing activities spanning every borough in the county.

The force said the operation reflects its determination to dismantle organised criminal networks, prevent further offending and reassure communities affected by crime.

Police Warn Criminals They Are ‘Not Welcome’

Speaking on the operation, Chief Constable Rob Carden said the scale of the deployment demonstrated the force’s unwavering commitment to tackling organised crime and keeping offenders under constant pressure.

“It is an operation involving a significant number of officers deploying a vast range of tactics and should leave criminals in absolutely no doubt that this force has complete contempt for criminality.

“If you are involved in crime, you are not welcome here and the scale of today’s activity demonstrates very clearly the strength of our resolve to rid all of our communities of the harm offenders bring,” he said.

Carden noted that the force remains committed to maintaining pressure on criminal groups through intelligence-led policing and proactive enforcement operations.

Focus on Protecting Vulnerable Victims

Beyond targeting criminal gangs, the operation also focused on safeguarding vulnerable individuals believed to have been exploited by organised crime groups.

Police said officers worked to identify victims of exploitation and connect them with support services and partner agencies capable of providing assistance and protection.

Carden stressed that protecting vulnerable people remains a key part of the force’s crime-fighting strategy.

“Our officers are also identifying vulnerable people who have been exploited by criminals and offering them support and signposting to other agencies who can help them.

“Today’s activity shows our complete and utter contempt for anyone involved in criminality right across Merseyside,” he added.

Public Intelligence Key to Crime-Fighting Efforts

The Chief Constable credited members of the public for providing much of the intelligence that helped police plan and execute the operation.

He appealed to residents to continue reporting suspicious activities, saying community cooperation remains vital to tackling organised crime and improving public safety.

According to Merseyside Police, intelligence supplied by local residents continues to play a crucial role in identifying offenders, disrupting criminal networks and protecting communities from the threat posed by organised crime.

The force reiterated its commitment to carrying out similar intelligence-led operations aimed at reducing crime, dismantling organised gangs and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice.