FIVE people have been arrested in early-morning raids in an investigation into drugs offences.
Police in Washington executed six drugs warrants at addresses in Sulgrave this morning.
The warrants were at addresses in Sulgrave Road, Madeville, Waterloo Walk and Collingwood Court.
Washington Neighbourhood Inspector Paul Stewart said the raids were part of Operation Impose – an initiative aimed at tackling crime and disorder in Sulgrave.
“The purpose of these warrants was in response to reports of drug use in the area and associated issues that come with it,” he said.
“Our priority is making Washington even safer and reducing crime and disorder and we will take the necessary action to ensure this happens and that crime in the area remains low.
“As part of this will continue to carry out operations to disrupt the daily lives of those suspected of being involved in crime.
“We rely on information given to us from our communities and often this can be vital in helping not only solve crimes but from preventing them from happening in the first instance. We encourage anyone who has any concerns or any information about crime and disorder to get in contact.
“We will continue to tackle the issues that cause the most concern to our communities.”
Inspector Stewart said since the launch of the operation, which has been running for four months, crime has reduced by 19 per cent with 15 fewer crimes – 79 down to 64.
He said anti-social behaviour has also been reduced by almost 50 per cent from 108 reports to just 55.
The total number of incidents reported to police has reduced by 33 per cent – 133 fewer incidents compared to the four months before the initiative started.