People wanted on suspicion of drug supply, sexual assault and robbery offences were just some of those targeted during the latest Operation Merlin week of action (15 – 19 July).

On Monday, Op Merlin officers were primarily in the Furness area where they made four arrests. A 54-year-old man was arrested who had been sought as part of a sexual assault investigation. Officers also arrested an 18-year-old outstanding for possession with intent to supply and a 21-year-old outstanding for robbery and possession with intent to supply.

A fourth arrest was made on the same day – a 34-year-old woman for failing to attend court.

On Tuesday officers were in West Cumbria where they made another four arrests. A 39-year-old man was arrested after being sought as part of a theft investigation, whilst a 55-year-old man was arrested as part of an investigation into an offence of harassment. A 26-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of harassment.

A fourth arrest was made for breach of a warrant.

On Wednesday, officers were again deployed in West Cumbria making six arrests. A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence and possession of a cannabis, whilst a 48-year-old woman was arrested for theft from a shop. Officers arrested a 40-year-old man on suspicion of failing to attend court and a 26-year-old man was arrested for being concerned in the supply of drugs. A 25-year-old man was arrested as part of an investigation into an offence of fraud.

A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and assault.

On Thursday, officers were focusing on the Carlisle area and made four arrests. Two men, aged 28 and 56 respectively, were arrested for failing to attend court.

Officers also arrested a 35-year-old man for recall to prison and a 34-year-old woman on suspicion of theft and criminal damage.

On Friday, Op Merlin officers were based in the Kendal and Eden areas and made four arrests. A 23-year-old man was arrested for breach of bail conditions, whilst a 48-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft.

Officers also arrested a 17-year-old boy for assault and a 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of common assault.

Chief Inspector Kim Brown said: “Last week was another successful Operation Merlin Week of Action, with outstanding suspects arrested across the county.

“We will continue to carry out these operations regularly so that the message goes out to all who know they are wanted that they are not above the law and that officers will soon arrive at their door if they do not voluntarily hand themselves in.

“A number of the arrests made this week have resulted from intelligence provided by the public. I would continue to urge the public to come forward and report criminality in their community. As this week has shown, action will be taken.”

Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “I used to run the UK’s Fugitive Unit, seeking out those who are wanted but who are trying to evade justice, so I understand and support this operation fully. It is vital that justice is seen to be done.

“Operation Merlin sends a clear message to those who have warrants against them – they will be found and they will face justice and the consequences of their actions.

“The arrests of 22 people across Cumbria for a wide array of reasons provides a great snapshot in time of what Cumbria Police are achieving year-round. It shows that you cannot evade justice in our county.

“I hope the public feel more assured by this Operation – the Constabulary are taking criminals off the streets of Cumbria and ensuring that they are brought to justice.”

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

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.