Operation AVRO nets arrests in successful day of action

Officers across Oldham made 60 arrests, recovered 200 cannabis plants, seized nearly 700 nitrous canisters and stopped over 43 vehicles during Operation AVRO yesterday (Thurs).

The day of action focused on tackling the issues residents had reported including drug supply, anti-social behaviour, dangerous driving and neighbourhood crime. 

Neighbourhood officers and specialist teams carried a series of early morning raids based on intelligence provided by local communities. Throughout the day, they made 60 arrests, seized nearly 700 nitrous oxide canisters, and recovered approximately 200 cannabis plants and cultivation equipment from a suspected cannabis grow. 

In Oldham Town Centre, Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology was deployed alongside plain-clothes officers who worked discreetly to identify and locate wanted suspects. 

The operation resulted in the arrests of four wanted individuals and the seven registered sex offenders being stopped and checked their sexual harm prevention order conditions. 

Officers also carried out a dedicated operation across the Metrolink network to tackle anti-social behaviour and provide reassurance to passengers as the summer holidays began. 

Acting on concerns from residents, Roads Policing officers and neighbourhood teams carried out enforcement activity along Broadway, targeting speeding and anti-social driving. 

Drivers were educated around the ‘Fatal Four’ offences - speeding, mobile phone use, drink and drug driving, and not wearing a seatbelt. 

Officers issued: 

• 43 vehicle stops 

• 25 traffic offence reports 

• Three vehicle seizures 

• One arrest for drink driving 

• Two arrests for theft of a motor vehicle 

Neighbourhood teams were at the heart of the operation, spending time engaging with residents, listening to concerns and strengthening relationships across local communities. 

The day concluded with a community football event at AVRO FC, delivered alongside Oldham Council. Officers took on coaching roles as 40 local young people competed in a friendly tournament, while attendees also took part in Stop the Bleed workshops and educational inputs from Early Break. 

The youths were also able to attend a question-and-answer panel with ACC Tom Harding, Deputy Mayor, Local Authority, Youth Mayor and District Commander Estelle Mathieson. 

District Commander Estelle Mathieson said: "Operation AVRO is all about listening to our communities and taking action on the issues that matter most to them. 

"From the early morning warrants through to our work in the town centre, on the roads, across the Metrolink network and alongside young people in the community, today has showcased the dedication and commitment of officers and partners across Oldham. 

"Many of our officers were born and raised in Oldham or its surrounding areas and take immense pride in protecting and improving the place they call home. 

"They are invested in the communities they police and work tirelessly every day to make Oldham a safer place for everyone who lives, works and visits."

Neighbourhood Inspector Stu Berry who organised the 2026 Oldham AVRO said: “ We are robust in our approach to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and will not tolerate those who choose to bring harm into our neighbourhoods. 

“Today’s results demonstrate that we will relentlessly pursue offenders, disrupt criminality and use every tool available to keep our communities safe. 

“Operation AVRO has been a fantastic example of proactive policing in action. The message is clear: if you choose to commit crime in Oldham, we will come after you."