Extra police tackling drug crime

The police are targeting drug dealing, prostitution and anti-social behaviour

Extra police are being put onto the streets of Dundee communities affected by class A drug dealing, violent crime and prostitution.

The increased patrols in Hilltown and Stobswell are part of Operation Waterloo, which aims to tackle offences linked to substance misuse.

Earlier this month, 20 people were arrested in drugs raids in those areas.

It is estimated that about £2.6m is spent each year on heroin in the city, much of it financed by crime.

The mobile CCTV van will also be deployed regularly. It will be used to gather evidence about anti-social neighbours, with a view to having people evicted if they continue to cause trouble.

'Highly visible'

Crime reduction officers will also be patrolling areas where prostitution is a problem.

The long-term aim for the police is to work with NHS Tayside, Dundee Women's Aid and National Children's Home to divert women away from the streets and into health projects which support harm reduction and discourage re-offending.

Ch Supt Colin McCashey, of Tayside Police, said: "We will be continuing to use the intelligence we have gathered in recent weeks to target all criminal activity, notably those surrounding drug dealing and drug-related behaviour and repeat offenders in particular.

"Our uniformed officers will be out on the streets in numbers to provide a highly visible presence and I hope that residents take the opportunity to speak with them and raise any issues or concerns they have in their community."