Pubdate: Sat, 14 Nov 2009
Source: Southern Daily Echo (UK)
Copyright: 2009 Southern Daily Echo
Contact:  http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/950
Author: Ash Bolton

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.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart