Sixteen people were arrested yesterday after the Palmerston North Police executed an operation to apprehend those on active warrants who were knowingly evading police.

Operation Assure targeted offenders with outstanding warrants to arrest and those breaching their bail.

Police visited over 100 properties in relation to outstanding arrest warrants at various locations throughout Palmerston North, Ashhurst, and Shannon.

This resulted in the seizure of cannabis, a small amount of methamphetamine, a modified firearm which was found loaded, ammunition, and stolen property.

Of the 16 arrested all were in Palmerston North and 14 were male and two female.

They ranged in age from the youngest being 20 and the oldest being 47 years of age.

All face various charges including; possession of methamphetamine, unlawful taking, breach of bail, breach of protection order, unlawful possession of a firearm, and warrants to arrest. Further charges are likely and all arrested will appear before the Court in coming days.

Officer in charge of the operation, Senior Sergeant Phil Ward says: "This operation sends a clear message to those who evade police that we will locate and arrest you."

"Our mobility devices are also paying dividends as one offender gave false details, and staff using their devices were able to match his face to an offender who was wanted for an outstanding warrant.

"The twenty-five police staff involved in Operation Assure have done some outstanding work which forms a key part of our whole of station focus aimed at keeping the pressure on our local burglary and dishonesty offenders.

While there is still ongoing work in this area, this operation has been a major win for the community as it has prevented further offending and victims," says Senior Sergeant Ward.

A great way to prevent burglaries is to report any suspicious behaviour to your local Police Station or call 111 if you witness it happening.

Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Breakdown of the 16 arrests as follows:

Possession of methamphetamine - 1

Unlawful taking - 1

Warrant to Arrest - 8

Breach of Bail - 4

Breach of Protection Order - 1

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm - 1

Source: New Zealand Police.