Operation Merlin Leads to 29 Arrests Across Cumbria
A five-day police operation targeting wanted people across Cumbria has led to 29 arrests.
Operation Merlin ran from Monday, July 20, to Friday, July 24. Officers made arrests linked to alleged offences including drug supply, sexual offences, violence, burglary and threats to kill.
Others were detained after allegedly failing to attend court, breaching bail or court orders, or being recalled to prison.
Operation Merlin Highlights
- 29 arrests made during the five-day operation
- Seven arrests completed on the first day
- Suspects detained in Kendal, Carlisle, Barrow, Workington, Maryport and Egremont
- Arrests linked to alleged drug supply, sexual offences, assault, burglary and threats to kill
- Wanted people detained for alleged court order and bail breaches
- Several people arrested after failing to attend court
- Individuals wanted for recall to prison returned to custody
- Two suspects wanted by another police force located and arrested
- One person charged and remanded to appear at Carlisle Crown Court
- Further suspects released on bail or under investigation while police enquiries continue
Seven Arrested on First Day
Seven arrests were made on Monday, primarily in and around Kendal.
Oliver Jelley, 24, of Bridge Lane, Troutbeck, was arrested and later charged with offences including controlling or coercive 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.
A 33-year-old Kendal man wanted in connection with an alleged sexual assault was also arrested. He was later bailed while enquiries continue.
Another 33-year-old man from the Kendal area was arrested in connection with an alleged assault and was also released on bail.
Officers detained a 31-year-old man from the Sedbergh area on suspicion of sexual activity with a child. He was subsequently bailed as the investigation continues.
Three further men were arrested for an alleged breach of bail, failing to attend court and a recall to prison.
Drug and Assault Arrests
On Tuesday, officers arrested a 30-year-old Carlisle man on suspicion of possessing Class A and Class B drugs with intent to supply. He was released under investigation.
Further arrests were made for alleged failures to attend court, breaches of court orders and recalls to prison.
A 39-year-old man from Barrow was also arrested on suspicion of assault. Police said he was subsequently handed over to the courts for breaching a court order.
Suspects Wanted by Another Police Force Detained
Wednesday’s activity included the arrests of a man and a woman wanted by another police force in connection with alleged drug supply offences.
A 27-year-old Barrow man wanted for an alleged breach of bail was also detained.
Operation Merlin is a countywide initiative, allowing officers to pursue suspects across different parts of Cumbria and assist other forces seeking wanted people.
Six More Arrests on Thursday
A further six people were arrested on Thursday.
They included two men and a woman wanted for allegedly failing to attend court, as well as a Workington man who was being sought for recall to prison.
Police also arrested a 17-year-old from Workington in connection with an alleged burglary.
A 36-year-old Maryport woman was detained on suspicion of making threats to kill. Both were later bailed while officers continued their enquiries.
On the final day, a 43-year-old Egremont man was arrested for an alleged breach of a court order. A 39-year-old man was also detained for allegedly failing to attend court.
What Is Operation Merlin?
Operation Merlin is Cumbria Constabulary’s ongoing campaign to locate wanted people.
Its targets include suspects wanted in connection with criminal investigations, people who have allegedly failed to appear at court and those accused of breaching bail or court orders.
Dedicated weeks of action are held alongside the force’s daily work to trace outstanding suspects.
Superintendent Matt Pearman said the operation continues to be effective in placing wanted individuals into police custody.
He added that information provided by members of the public often supports the force’s work and encouraged people to report suspected criminal activity.
Public Asked to Share Information
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said the arrests sent a clear message that Cumbria was not a “soft touch or easy target”.
Anyone who knows that they are wanted by police has been urged to hand themselves in.
Information about a wanted person or suspected criminal activity can be reported to Cumbria Police online or by calling 101.
Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 when a crime is taking place or there is an immediate danger.
Charges and arrests do not establish guilt. Anyone accused of an offence is considered innocent unless proven guilty in court.
