Shops shut and nitrous oxide found in Bolton police blitz

Officers seized the 49 boxes of nitrous oxide, worth around £8,500, when they found an abandoned car while out on patrol across Great Lever and Daubhill on Sunday, August 2.

They also were granted two closure orders for shops on Derby Street, Daubhill, and the following Monday officers also discovered steroids in a raid on a house on Grosvenor Street, Kearsley.

Sergeant Daniel Richards, from Greater Manchester Police’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 sorts 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.

Nearly 50 boxes were seized (Image: GMP)

“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.”

The force says the three actions were part of a proactive crime-fighting blitz aimed at taking dangerous drugs off the streets of Bolton.

They say it is also aimed at ensuring businesses follow the relevant laws and guidance to prevent anti-social behaviour and criminality.

The boxes of nitrous oxide were found in an abandoned car (Image: GMP)

Nitrous oxide is classed as a Class C drug, and police say it can affect people’s senses and cause health issues.

They say several cases in Greater Manchester relating to those using the drug while driving, which have resulted in death or serious injury.

The abandoned vehicle where officers found the nitrous oxide canisters was also found to have had no registered keeper and to have been uninsured.

After finding the steroids on Grosvenor Street, a man was given an out-of-court disposal and a warning.

The two shops on Derby Street were given closure orders for three months each.

Officers say they applied for the closure orders after they received reports of anti-social behaviour surrounding the two shops from members of the public.