Drug supply, assault and theft were just some of the offences as officers executed warrants across the county this week as part of the latest Operation Merlin week of action (8-12 April).

On Monday officers arrested Nathan Wharton, 35, of Egerton Court in Barrow who was sought in connection with a theft offence. He was subsequently charged with theft from shop and was due to attend Barrow Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (11 April).

Officers also arrested two Penrith teenagers regarding an injunction against them and a 33-year-old man from Penrith who was sought for failing to attend court.

On Tuesday officers arrested a man who was sought in connection with a GBH assault. Mark Malloy, 30, of no fixed address, was subsequently charged with wounding with intent and was due to appear at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (11 April).

On the same day, Op Merlin officers also arrested a 49-year-old man sought for being concerned in the supply of cannabis. He was subsequently bailed.

A 46-year-old Carlisle man sought for assault occasioning actual bodily harm was arrested and subsequently released on bail, whilst a 34-year-old man from Barrow was arrested after being sought for blackmail. He too was released on police bail.

On Wednesday officers arrested a 44-year-old woman from the Workington area on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs. She was subsequently bailed.

A 29-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assault but later released with no further action.

On Thursday two men were arrested for recall to prison and on Friday a man was arrested and cautioned for possession of cannabis.

Operation Merlin resulted in almost 100 arrests across 2023.

Superintendent Sarah Jones said: “Operation Merlin has proved successful in rounding up suspected offenders, some of whom may previously have believed they can ignore court orders with impunity.

“Indeed, one of the arrests made this week was of a man who had been outstanding for a year for failing to attend court.

“We will continue to carry out Op Merlin week of action and urge anyone who knows they are outstanding or in breach of a court order to come forward now before officers arrive at their door.”

The intelligence which results in such arrests can often be as a result of information provided by the public.

Supt Jones said: “The public’s help is vital in giving us a full picture of the issues across Cumbria.

“We continue urge the public to come forward and report criminal activity in their neighbourhood.

“Contact the police today so we can take action.”

If you have information regarding criminality in your area, you can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit

You can also phone on 101.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Always call 999 in an emergency or when a crime is in progress.