Luton town centre operation makes 15 arrests and seizes drugs, cash and knives

Drugs worth almost £3,000 have been seized and 15 arrests made this month by a new operation to make Luton town centre a safe place to live, work and visit.

The latest enforcement action under Operation Metal saw Bedfordshire Police make four arrests and seize what officers think was the handset behind the 'Maz' drugs line.

Earlier last month the same operation led by the force's Community Enforcement Team seized around £30,000 in cash as part of the same investigation.

It means that throughout August Operation Metal has led to 15 arrests and the seizure of four knives, £32,000 in cash and around £2,950 worth of drugs, as dedicated officers proactively tackle criminal activity in the town centre.

Operation Metal officers have made 27 arrests in total since it launched earlier this summer.

Chief Inspector Alex House, from the Luton community policing team, said: "This operation is having a major impact on crime in the town centre, from violent crime and theft through to drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.

"Recorded incidents have fallen significantly recently compared to last year – but we won't rest on our laurels and will keep pushing hard to disrupt those who spoil the experience of Luton town centre for all of us.

"Operation Metal aims to sustainably address crime ranging from drug dealing and anti-social behaviour through to violence against women and girls, ensuring there is long lasting change and that Luton town centre is a safe place to live, work and visit."