Special police team winning crime fight

More than £100,000 of drugs have been seized and 70 people arrested since a specialist police team was set up to tackle crime on the streets of Rowley Regis.

A yob who terrorised a pensioner in her own home has also been dealt with since the launch of Rowley Action Team in September last year.

The group was set up to tackle problems highlighted by members of the public and consists of four officers led by Acting Sergeant Jenny Thompson.

So far, 77 people have been arrested, with 53 charged or convicted. More than £100,000 of drugs have been seized, including 268 cannabis plants, a £3,000 bag of heroin, 23 wraps of cocaine and seven ecstasy tablets.

Acting Sergeant Thompson said: "The idea of the Rowley Action Team is to work alongside local communities to ensure that we are putting their concerns at the forefront of our daily operations."Our actions have been welcomed by local residents, and we have had some terrific feedback from residents across the town."

Police said they had even been cheered on by local residents from their homes as they carried out operations in the community.

A youth was arrested for carrying out anti-social behaviour against an elderly neighbour. Following tip-offs from the community, police officers went undercover to catch the yob and trouble in the area has now stopped.

Rowley Regis police inspector Denise Clarke said the team had proved to be a great success.

She said: "The team has had a really positive impact in Rowley Regis.

"Thanks to local support and community-based intelligence we have been able to positively act upon a number of concerns. If it matters to our community, it really does matter to us."