A five-day operation targeting wanted people resulted in 29 arrests for offences including drug supply, sexual offences and violence.
Operation Merlin is Cumbria Constabulary’s ongoing operation seeking out wanted people, including those wanted for failing to attend court and failing to abide by the terms of their bail conditions.
The most recent operation ran between July 20 and July 24.
On Monday, July 20, police officers arrested seven people, mainly in the Kendal area.
Oliver Jelley, 24, of Bridge Lane, Troutbeck, was arrested and charged with offences including engaging in coercive and controlling behaviour, assault and criminal damage.
He appeared at Furness Magistrates’ Court on July 22 and was remanded to appear at Carlisle Crown Court on August 21.
Officers also arrested a 33-year-old man from Kendal who was wanted for sexual assault. He was bailed pending further enquiries.
Another 33-year-old man from the Kendal area – wanted for assault – was arrested. He was also bailed pending further enquiries.
A 31-year-old man from the Sedbergh area was arrested on suspicion of sexual activity with a child and bailed while officers continue with their investigation.
Three other men were arrested – one for breach of bail, one for failing to attend court and another for recall to prison.
On Tuesday, July 21, officers arrested a 30-year-old man from Carlisle wanted on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs.
He was released under investigation.
Officers also made five arrests for failure to attend court, two arrests for breach of a court order and two more arrests for recall to prison.
A 39-year-old man from Barrow was arrested on suspicion of assault and handed to the courts for breach of a court order.
On Wednesday, July 22, officers arrested a man and a woman who were wanted for drug supply offences by another police force and a 27-year-old man from Barrow who was wanted for breach of bail.
On Thursday, July 23, police made six arrests, including two men and a woman wanted for failure to attend court and a Workington man wanted for recall to prison.
Officers also arrested a 17-year-old from Workington sought for burglary and a 36-year-old Maryport woman sought for threats to kill. Both were subsequently bailed pending further enquiries.
On Friday, July 24, a 43-year-old man from Egremont was arrested for breach of a court order and a 39-year-old man for failure to attend court.
Superintendent Matt Pearman said: “While our officers are targeting those people who think they are above the law on a day-to-day basis, these regular Operation Merlin weeks of action continue to be effective in putting wanted individuals into police cells.
“This proactive approach is often fuelled by community intelligence provided by members of the public and I would encourage anyone who knows of criminality occurring in their neighbourhood to come forward so that action can be taken.
“Cumbria police would also encourage anyone who is aware they are sought by police to hand themselves in today before officers come knocking on their door.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “The results of this operation sends a clear message to criminals: Cumbria is not a soft touch or easy target– if you commit a crime, you will be caught and you will face the consequences.
“Everyone, resident or visitor has the right to feel safe in our county and operations such as this one highlight that Cumbria Police will actively seek out those who have broken the law and bring them to justice.
“If you know you have a warrant against you, I strongly suggest that you hand yourself in before the Police knock on your door, you can run, you can hide, but ultimately you will face justice.”
