A BROMSGROVE couple were arrested after a dramatic chainsaw raid yesterday (Thursday) morning.
A team of 12 officers forced their way into the home on Foxwalks Avenue about 7am as part of swoops in connection with suspected drug-dealing.
Although no drugs were found at the property, the pair were arrested in connection with a theft from a shop in Droitwich.
The raid was one of 40 which took place across West Mercia and Warwickshire Police yesterday as part of Operation Protect.
Although no drugs were found at the property, Juliet Robinson, 32, and Michael Smith, 25, were taken into custody.
Operation Protect was launched yesterday (Thursday) at 5am and more than 2,000 members were on duty from Warwickshire and West Mercia Police to provide support for the day.
Alongside the warrants, automatic number plate recognition operations were conducted to tackle criminals using the roads.
As well as this, officers also held community speed watch events, test purchase operations, did school visits to promote online safety and community engagement and crime prevention actitvties along with much more.
Sgt Lougher, DS for north Worcestershire, who was leading the Bromsgrove raid, said: “This sends a message to this community if you are up to no good and committing crime we are going to come after you.”
Det Ch Cons Anthony Bangham said the day was the start of an opportunity for them to open the doors on the world of policing to give residents a chance to see the work carried out 24/7 by the police.
He added: “This is our chance to give one clear strong message – we are here to catch criminals, prevent crime, tackle anti-social behaviour and to engage with our communities to reassure them and to keep them safe.
“Today we are taking that opportunity.”
