29 Arrested In Five Day Operation Targeting Wanted People Across Cumbria
Cumbria Police have arrested 29 people during a five day county wide operation aimed at locating wanted offenders, executing warrants, and bringing suspects before the courts as part of the force's ongoing Operation Merlin initiative.
The operation took place over five consecutive days and involved officers from neighbourhood policing teams, response units, investigation departments, and specialist teams working together to trace individuals wanted for a range of offences. Those arrested included people wanted on recall to prison, for failing to appear at court, and for offences including drug supply, assault, burglary, domestic abuse, and breaches of bail.
Among those detained were two people wanted by another police force in connection with drug supply offences, a 27 year old man from Barrow wanted for breaching bail conditions, and several individuals sought after failing to attend court hearings. Officers also arrested a man from Workington who had been recalled to prison.
Operation Merlin is Cumbria Police's long running initiative focused on locating wanted offenders as quickly as possible. The force said removing wanted suspects from communities not only ensures they face justice but also helps prevent further offending and improves public safety across the county.
Detective Chief Inspector Dan St Quintin praised the efforts of officers involved in the operation, describing the arrests as the result of coordinated policing and intelligence led investigations. He said officers remain committed to identifying, locating, and arresting people who seek to evade justice, adding that those wanted should expect continued enforcement action.
Cumbria Police also thanked members of the public who provided information during the operation, stressing that community intelligence continues to play a vital role in helping officers locate offenders. The force encouraged anyone with information about wanted individuals to contact police or report anonymously through Crimestoppers.
The successful operation follows previous rounds of Operation Merlin, which have resulted in dozens of arrests throughout 2026. Police said similar enforcement activity will continue across Cumbria as part of their ongoing efforts to reduce crime and bring offenders before the courts.
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