PROTECTING the community was the key message delivered during a special police operation.
Officers spoke to residents at Matchborough Centre about their views on safety as part of Operation Protect by West Mercia and Warwickshire Police on Thursday (March 26).
The day began at 5am with more than 70 arrests following 47 drugs raids, as well as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) operations to tackle criminals using the roads across the counties.
A total of 11 arrests were made in North Worcestershire, while a caution for possession of cannabis was issued in Redditch and another man was arrested on suspicion of stealing a joint of beef from Aldi.
Community speed watch events, schools visits and crime prevention events were also held.
Upwards of 2,000 members of the force took part in the day which aimed to show residents how the police are committed to protecting people 24 hours a day.
Dep Ch Con Anthony Bangham said: “Every single member of our alliance, no matter what their job title, plays an important role in protecting our communities from harm every day of the year.
“We are dedicated to being open and transparent. This was our chance to give one clear strong message that 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.”
