49 boxes of nitrous oxide and quantities of steroids have been seized in the last few days by Great Lever’s Neighbourhood Policing Team – while also securing two closure orders for businesses causing local issues.

The proactive crime-fighting blitz comes as part of the team’s commitment to taking dangerous drugs off the streets of Bolton, and ensuring businesses follow the relevant laws and guidance to prevent anti-social behaviour and criminality.

At the weekend (2 August), officers on patrol discovered an abandoned vehicle – with checks later confirming that it had no current keeper and no insurance. After checking the vehicle, 49 boxes of nitrous oxide – with a value of upwards of £8,500 – were discovered.

Nitrous Oxide – classified as a Class C drug – can affect senses and cause health issues. Several cases in Greater Manchester relating to those using the drug while driving have resulted in death or serious injury.

The canisters were seized and further intelligence has been gathered as officers work to reduce the levels of its use on the streets.

Following on into this week, on Monday, the team executed a warrant at an address on Grosvenor Street, Bolton, following reports of illicit substances within the property.

A small quantity of recreational steroids were discovered and seized – with a man receiving an out-of-court disposal and warning as part of the work.

While this sort of direct and proactive work regularly takes place each day, officers are constantly working with partners and communities to tackle underlying issues.

This has seen two stores on Derby Street in the Great Lever area receive closure orders for three-months each.

The closure orders came due to reports of anti-social behaviour surrounding the store.

Officers will continue taking action wherever necessary, and are appealing for the public to provide intelligence and tip-offs to help inform their work.

Sergeant Daniel Richards, from GMP’s Bolton Neighbourhood Team, said: “The last few days have seen several successes for our team – taking illicit and dangerous drugs off the streets, and working with partners to secure the closure of shops suspected of criminality.

“While we will always work to tackle these sort of issues, our work can take many forms – from proactive patrols to local engagement and preventative work with the local council and other teams to address issues affecting residents in our area.

“I would urge anyone with anyone with issues to please get in touch with us, as it all informs our work and we will do what we can to help you.”