TV crime drama 'glamourises drugs', police chief says

1 hour ago

Tom DunnMerseyside

Hannah Onslow as Diana Williams and James Nelson-Joyce as Michael Kavanagh in a scene from BBC drama This City is Ours

BBC/Left Bank Pictures/James Stack A man and woman both smartly dressed in suit jackets at social event event with blurred background of a party atmosphere. — Hannah Onslow as Diana Williams and James Nelson-Joyce as Michael Kavanagh in a scene from BBC drama This City is Ours

A television crime drama set in Liverpool "glamourises drugs" and shows crime can be profitable, the region's chief constable has said.

Merseyside Police Chief Constable Rob Carden said his officers regularly deal with the kinds of criminal activity shown in the BBC One series This City Is Ours.

His comments come after a major police operation into serious and organised crime on Thursday, involving over 220 officers, which saw 26 people arrested.

Carden said parts of the show highlight the realities of what goes on in the illegal drugs trade on Merseyside.

Merseyside Police Chief Constable Rob Carden said the programme reflects the challenges police face

Merseyside PCC Chief Constable Rob Carden has short dark hair, blue eyes, and is wearing a police uniform while looking into the camera. He is standing outside a Merseyside Police building. — Merseyside Police Chief Constable Rob Carden said the programme reflects the challenges police face

"It's a fantastic series, but it does highlight some truth about the challenges with certain organised crime," he said.

"It glamourises drugs, it shows that drugs can be profitable."

However he said the show also reflected the negative aspects of crime.

"It shows the violence and misery," he said.

"It does demonstrate that as it would do in any city."

On Wednesday, Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said the TV show was not the image of Liverpool he wanted to see portrayed and he would prefer dramas set in the city focus on the "warmth" of the people, rather than "drugs, organised crime and criminal activity".

In a series of early morning raids today 23 properties across Merseyside were searched by police who seized half a kilo of cocaine, £24,000 in cash and two Rolex watches.

The raids in Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, Wirral and Knowsley were part of Merseyside Police's Operation Vanguard.

Over 220 police officers took part in raids across Merseyside earlier

Merseyside Police A convoy of police vans and cars with blue flashing lights drive through a city centre junction in the early hours of the morning. — Over 220 police officers took part in raids across Merseyside earlier

"The reality is that we have particularly innovative and creative criminals in Merseyside, and it's important that we keep pace with them and make sure that we're being as proactive as possible," Carden said.

He said the force was "determined to tackle offending and protect people from the harm it causes".

"Whether you are dealing drugs, carrying or storing weapons, exploiting vulnerable people, or committing acts of violence and abuse, you should know that we will continue to pursue you.

"Today's activity demonstrates our commitment to keeping Merseyside safe.

"Through proactive enforcement, safeguarding and partnership working, we are targeting those who cause harm while supporting the people and communities affected by crime."

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