POLICE have conducted a number of stop searches and an arrest has been made in a crackdown on drug dealing and anti-social behaviour in Higher Folds.

Throughout November and December, officers have been patrolling the area in uniform and in plain clothes, acting on intelligence received from members of the public.

During the operation, police have also been clamping down on knife crime and focusing on residents who they say are contributing to ASB, breaching tenancy agreements and disrupting the quality of life for others.

The stop searches have seen drug deals disrupted, leading to a recent arrest and cannabis being removed from the streets.

Vehicles have also been seized, tenants relocated, properties secured and intelligence gathered regarding drug dealing operations and suspicious vehicle activity around the estate.

GMP says that the operations are still running, and that over the coming weeks officers will continue to focus upon issues reported to them by residents.

“We encourage you to speak with us in relation to intelligence or any issues you may be experiencing by calling 999 in an emergency, visiting gmp.police.uk or calling 101,” the force said.

“By sharing this information, a bigger picture is obtained which ultimately leads to tenancy enforcement and warrants being executed in order to address the issues, bring offenders to justice and improve the quality of life within the community.

“Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“We are committed to working in partnership with other agencies in order to build safer and stronger communities.”