Operation Vardar Delivers Impact in Whitefield with Over 50 Arrests and Significant Drug Seizures
Since its launch in September 2024, Operation Vardar has made a considerable impact on tackling violence, drug crime, and antisocial behaviour in Whitefield, with officers making 56 arrests, conducting 106 stop searches, submitting 235 pieces of intelligence, and enforcing 10 tenancies linked to criminal activity.
Launched in response to a series of violent incidents in the area last year, the operation is led by Inspector Gareth Edwards and focuses on issues most affecting residents, including knife crime and youth-related disorder.
Key successes include the seizure of:
- 8 off-road bikes
- 13 offensive weapons
- 500g of heroin
- 503g of crack cocaine
- 172g of ketamine
- 78.5g of MDMA
- 539g of cannabis
- 700 cannabis plants
- 3 stolen vehicles
A notable community safety improvement came after feedback identified a troubled plot of land near Abingdon Avenue, often associated with drug activity and youth violence. Constable Keiran Stodart secured fencing to block access and prevent its misuse.
At a neighbourhood action day on The Elms estate, enforcement activity resulted in one shop on Rufford Drive being forced to stop selling alcohol immediately after officers discovered it lacked a valid licence and was offering foreign-branded alcohol unfit for UK sale. Another shop on the same road received advice on the sale of drug paraphernalia.
Officers, along with partner agencies, carried out door-to-door engagement, discussing local concerns and plans to improve the area. From 9 April, community walkarounds will take place every four weeks to maintain a strong visible presence and gather further feedback.
PCSOs have also been delivering school inputs and attending drop-off and pick-up times at various schools in Whitefield to provide reassurance and support to pupils, parents, and staff.
In a longer-term move to reduce crime and improve safety, GMP has partnered with Bury Council to pursue a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the ginnel between Sawley Avenue and Malton Avenue, where 67 crimes were reported in 2024. The PSPO would allow lockable gates to be installed, with High Sheriff funding being sought to transform the area into a community garden.
Operation Vardar continues to show how collaboration, proactive policing, and community involvement can make meaningful, lasting changes.
