Police launch drugs raids in operation to clean town

Police in Shildon say there is more to come following the raids in three streets in the town as part of a clean-up operation.

On Thursday and Friday night, police burst into addresses in Coronation Avenue, Highland Gardens and Ruskin Avenue.

The raids are part of Operation Tonka, launched two weeks ago to rid the streets of anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime, particularly on the Jubilee Estate.

Sergeant Steve Ball, from Shildon police, confirmed that a quantity of drugs were discovered in a home in Ruskin Avenue but nothing was found at the other two addresses. Arrests are expected to follow.

He said: "We targeted these homes following information we received through talking to the community and there will be more to come.

"I can say to anyone who is involved in drugs or any other form of criminality in the town that they can expect robust police action. We are determined to clean this area up and we will get tough."

The raids will be followed by leaflet drops informing people living in the town of what is happening and to expect further action.

Sgt Ball also said that culprits who are caught red handed, could also face losing their homes.

He said: "We are working in close partnership with the council and our other partners and anyone who is living in a council house and dealing in drugs faces eviction."

Police, council officials and councillors took to the streets on the Jubilee Estate two weeks ago at the start of the operation. Patrols have been increased and lists of tasks that need to be tackled to clean up the troubled estate have been made.

Sedgefield Borough Council's environment department has made steps to clean up the back streets in order to make the area a safer and cleaner place to live.

Sgt Ball said: "Historically the Jubilee Estate has had a bad name for crime and disorder. A lot of it is fear of crime and how a place looks which is why this operation was launched. So far we are pleased with the response."