SEVEN ARRESTED AFTER CRIME AND DRUGS CRACKDOWN

POLICE arrested seven people after a crackdown on violent crime and
drugs in Southampton last night.

More than 70 officers including specialist units and armed officers
took part in Operation Spartan to help make the city a safer place
to live and work.

Last night 170 Police National Computer Checks were carried out on
people and vehicles in the city as part of the anti-drugs crackdown.

At least four arrests were related to drugs offences. Seven vehicles
were also seized for having no insurance.

A police spokesman said: "As part of the operation we are taking
robust action against any violent criminals who may live or who may
come into the city.

"We are showing them that Southampton is a no-go zone for them and
they can expect to be pursued, located and arrested if they do enter
our city."

In September police carried out a similar operation where they
stopped more than 60 people and arrested one person on suspicion of
grievous bodily harm (GBH).

In the previous crackdown there were arrests for suspected GBH,
kidnap and robbery and six for drug offences.

Officers also carried out more then 30 strip searches and seized two
vehicles. A number of drug seizures were also made.

More Operation Spartan events are planned in the city in the weeks
and months to come.