A dedicated police unit is close to achieving a landmark 400th arrest since its inception last November.

Cleveland Police’s Proactive Team has only been operating for nine months but has since detained no less than 396 suspects.

Their suspected crimes include everything from serious violence and organised crime, as well as existing offenders wanted on a warrant or prison recall.

The team has also conducted 528 stop-and-search checks with officers locating prohibited items, such as drugs and weapons, in 35-per cent of those searches. It was founded with a brief to focus on getting some of Cleveland’s most wanted offenders into custody as well as providing operational support to other units.

The Northern Echo:

These include the Force Intelligence Unit and specialist investigative teams such as CID, the Domestic Abuse Unit and Children and Vulnerable Adults (CAVA).

By carrying out targeted proactive patrols, utilising stop and search powers and monitoring hotspot areas across Cleveland, the team is on hand to ensure crime is detected and prevented.

Read more: Cleveland Police launches Operation Artemis to tackle crime

Acting Inspector Darren Williamson said: “These fantastic results have been achieved through officers with a proactive mindset patrolling areas that have been identified for being high in crime.

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“By doing this, we have disrupted criminal activity and have been visible within our communities to provide them with assurance that their concerns are being listened to.”

The team values information from the public and has urged anyone seeing anything suspicious to contact Cleveland Police, on 101 with any information or concerns.