PCC praise for police swoop which nets guns and stolen items worth thousands

• An armed police raid on a site on the outskirts of Gloucester netted goods and stolen items worth thousands of pounds
• Items recovered included a stolen vehicle, three high value electric bikes, electrical equipment and 300 bottles of champagne
• Animal welfare officers from the RSPCA and Stroud District Council were called-in after 11 dogs were also found, some thought to be stolen
• Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Chris Nelson said, “We do not see many operations of this size and complexity within Gloucestershire, and it was very reassuring to see the range of capabilities on hand”. 

An armed police raid on a site on the outskirts of Gloucester netted goods and stolen items worth thousands of pounds.

Animal welfare officers from the RSPCA and Stroud District Council were also alerted when 11 dogs were discovered at the site in Naas lane, Quedgeley. It is thought at least three were stolen, a fourth was due to be reunited with its family.

Also seized were two shotguns, a dismantled firearm and two loaded two loaded crossbows. Other items recovered included a stolen vehicle, three high value electric bikes, electrical equipment and 300 bottles of champagne.

Police and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson, who joined the operation early on Wednesday morning said, “It was impressive to watch the Constabulary in action.

A very good day’s work for the police and our wider community

“With around 100 officers involved, including multiple armed units, 20 deployment vehicles, with specialist search teams and dogs, plus drones. We do not see many operations of this size and complexity within Gloucestershire, and it was very reassuring to see this range of capabilities on hand.

“It was conducted very professionally and with great precision.  Our officers searched with sensitivity, explaining everything to the community, but with firm determination to identify any firearms and weapons on site, wherever they were concealed, and take them out of circulation permanently.

“I have been very clear that I expect the streets of Gloucestershire to be safe for law- abiding citizens, and for criminals to know that we will not tolerate their activities in our County. Operations like this are an excellent demonstration of that commitment in action. It was a very good day’s work for the police and our wider community.”

“We put a lot of time into planning this warrant and the results show that our efforts have paid off”

Police arrived at the location at around 9.30am, closing off roads close to the site for a number of hours. No arrests were made but enquiries continue to identify those involved in the offences.

Area Chief Inspector and Firearms Commander Anton Campbell, who oversaw the execution of the warrant, said it was a low-key firearms warrant with precautions taken to counter any potential hostility during the search.

He said: “The safety of every community is paramount to us and we will ensure we take any action necessary to maintain that safety.

“We will continue to work with and engage with the occupants of the site and the wider community to protect them from harm and to investigate offences.”

Inspector Marcus George-Forbes, who led the operation on the ground, said: “We have put a lot of time into planning this warrant and the results show that our efforts have paid off.

“I’d like to reassure the public that there is no cause for concern or danger and we’d like to thank local residents for their continued patience and support while searches continue.”